Research Data Management

PROJECT FOR 2004/05

The Ministry on behalf of the Crown owns fisheries research data. Research data includes data obtained through present and past fisheries research contracts, past MAF fisheries research, scientific observer biological sampling, and a variety of collaborative research projects. These data consist of electronic information, paper records and physical specimens. Management of the research data and databases is currently contracted to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA).

Five research data management functions are to be conducted during 2004/2005:

(a) Data Management

This comprises all the services not covered under (b), (c), (d) and (e) below, to manage research data for the Ministry. It includes the management and maintenance of existing data and databases, general database administration, loading of newly collected data into existing databases, managing versions of data, provision of advice regarding the data, provision of access to research providers.

(b) Data Upgrading

The Ministry is undertaking a process of continual data upgrading to ensure that its research data sets are maintained in a state that is appropriate for use by research projects.

Data upgrading for 2004/05 will include:

• finalising the upgrading (to electronic databases) of previously identified important datasets;
• creation and upgrading of electronic databases to meet the needs of new and changing datasets;
• improving the documentation and cataloguing of the Ministry’s research data holdings by entry of this information onto a newly established meta-database;
• where necessary, upgrading the status of archived data sets that are deemed to be important for planned research.

(c) Processing Data from the Scientific Observer Programme

This component of research data management processes all biological data (e.g. length, weight, sex, gonad stage, by-catches) and samples (e.g. otoliths) collected by the Ministry’s Scientific Observer Programme. It also processes catch effort information collected by Scientific Observers for fisheries where this information is not processed directly by the Scientific Observer Programme itself.

(d) Processing of Tag Returns

Recaptures of tagged fish often continue after the completion of research projects that conducted the initial tagging and recapturing. This component of research data management ensures that the data is processed and recorded for any reports of tagged fish. In addition, rewards are offered for certain types of tags to encourage the continued reporting of such recaptures.

(e) Collection and Processing of Aerial Sightings Data

A voluntary programme is underway whereby pilots of spotter planes are providing data on the sightings of pelagic fish species. Data from this voluntary programme are being collected and key punched. Data management for this programme also involves liaison with pilots of spotter planes and the provision of data collection forms.

Cost Recovery Information:

This project is 100% Crown funded.

This project is estimated to cost between $750,000 - $1 million.