Watching Over Our Fish and Sharks

Collaboration and open data are transforming marine science through the ARDC-supported Fish and Shark Data Partnership. Recently, researchers from 15 research and management institutions brought together over 30,000 Baited Underwater Remote Video samples and came together for a productive workshop in New South Wales. The workshop focused on synthesising fish survey datasets from Australia using GlobalArchive.org (an online repository of marine imagery data of fish assemblages) and advancing data-quality and data-sharing practices. 

“We’re excited to see researchers around Australia and across the world using our Global Ocean Observing System Best Practice and GlobalArchive data portal hosted on the ARDC Nectar Research Cloud,” said Dr Alan Jordan of the National Environmental Science Program.

The workshop built on previous successful synthesis efforts, which have already contributed to both national and international marine management, demonstrating the power of collaborative data initiatives. Past syntheses have highlighted the importance of pooling knowledge and resources, enabling researchers to contribute to guide sustainable practices at local, national and international scales.

A key outcome of this workshop is the integration of marine biodiversity data into the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), with the assistance of the SCOR CoNCENSUS working group. “By making nationally representative data openly accessible, we are enhancing national and global reporting capabilities and providing critical insights for the management of the marine environment,” said Dr Dianne McLean of AIMS, Chair of the Australian BRUV working group. 

In addition, workshop participants prepared data for the upcoming Australia State of the Environment report, a crucial assessment by the Australian Government that provides a comprehensive overview of marine ecosystem health to inform policymakers and the public about changes and trends in biodiversity and habitat conditions. 

Dr Tim Langlois from The University of Western Australia and his team worked on an ARDC-supported Australian Data Partnerships project to harness fish and shark image data for powerful biodiversity reporting. 

“This Fish and Shark Data Partnership has ensured that high-quality, standardised data is available. By embracing open data and synthesis approaches, we are making significant strides in understanding and protecting our oceans for future generations,” said Dr Langlois.

“The ARDC have helped us create great Quality Control and training resources which have improved the consistency of national FAIR fish and shark data collection.”

The 15 academic and government institutions contributing to the partnership are: 

• Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
• CSIRO
• Curtin University
• Deakin University
• Flinders University
• James Cook University (JCU)
• NESP Marine and Coastal Hub
• NSW Department of Primary Industries
• Parks Australia
• SA Department Of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
• University of Tasmania
• University of Western Australia
• University of the Sunshine Coast
• WA, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
• WA, Fisheries, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The workshop was supported by funds from the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy, Curtin University and the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS).

Learn more about the Fish and Shark Data Partnership.

Fish and Shark Data received co-investment (doi.org/10.47486/DP761) from the ARDC. The ARDC is enabled by NCRIS.