VITALITY
OCEAN DATA
TRAINING PROGRAMS

The VITALITY project is supporting training for ocean observations across Canada

Across Canada, we are assessing the training needs across different ocean sectors in order to develop general and specific training programs, depending on gaps in ocean data collection, management, mobilization and use.

We are developing training across a number of key ocean sectors: Indigenous ocean stewardship, NGOs/universities/students working in marine, aquatic and coastal science and management, and companies working in the ‘blue economy’, with a focus on start-ups and SMEs (Small and Medium-size enterprises).

If you are interested in a specific training program, please contact us.

Data collection

Example: Indigenous stewardship data collection – kelp forests

Indigenous governments, communities and organizations are developing programs to monitor and manage coastal and ocean ecosystems that are essential to the well-being of their communities and local economies.

For example, through MaPP (the Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast), Indigenous Nations in the Northern Shelf Bioregion and the Province of British Columbia are developing and implementing a monitoring project for kelp forest ecosystems in order to:

  • Collect data on kelp habitats as indicators of coastal ecosystem change
  • Co-manage culturally and economically important kelp and kelp ecosystem resources
  • Inform marine planning & stewardship of local and regional waters in a coordinated manner
Guardian Watchmen kelp data collection training workshop on Calvert Island, Hakai Institute, Central Coast MaPP sub-region (2019). Photo by M. Hessing-Lewis.
Mamalilikulla Guardian Watchman kelp drone and boat surveys (2019). North Vancouver Island MaPP sub-region. Photo by M. Thompson
Mamalilikulla Guardian Watchman kelp drone and boat surveys (2019). North Vancouver Island MaPP sub-region. Photo by M. Thompson

Training, initiated by MaPP and the Hakai Institute, has focused on training in data collection, including standardized methods and protocols for monitoring coastal habitats. In the covid era, training videos are being developed as reference material and as guides for broad use. An app has been created to present these videos to the users in the field using an iPad so that they are always accessible, no matter the inclement weather!

Guardian Watchmen kelp data collection training workshop on Calvert Island, Hakai Institute, Central Coast MaPP sub-region (2019). Photo M. Hessing-Lewis.
Hakai Institute science diver completes MaPP Tier 3 survey. MaPP North Vancouver Island sub-region. Photos M. Thompson
Coastal Guardian Watchmen use an app to support data collection. MaPP North Vancouver Island sub-region. Photo by Grant Callegari

Data collection training material

Other links to relevant training/support:

Data and metadata management

Example: SLGO training for NGOs, students and university staff

The digitization of research is accelerating rapidly across a wide range of activities, and so too the technological tools for data management. From data collection in the field, to sharing information on web platforms, standards and best practices have been developed to optimize data management. However, it can be difficult to navigate amongst many new technologies, standards and structures. Especially when working from home and in the midst of carrying out everyday work tasks.

To help support training on data management SLGO offers a series of training workshops. The first workshop focuses on the management of biodiversity data and its metadata, including the implementation of international standards. It aims to provide information on data management standards (OBIS, Darwin Core and ISO standards) used by the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observation System (CIOOS) and other data aggregation/sharing platforms. This workshop also reviews the structure of databases and the concepts of open access data.

Future workshops and training materials aim to address the following themes: data management of geological data, management and discoverability of grey literature, and principles (ex. FAIR & CARE principles) and best practices for data governance (including, for sensitive and private data).

Photo by St. Lawrence Global Observatory (SLGO)
FAIR Principles. Graphic by St. Lawrence Global Observatory (SLGO)

Data management training material

https://ogsl.ca/en/training/
Training material: https://ogsl.ca/wp-content/uploads/Data-management-EN.pdf

Link to other data management training material

ACENET offers numerous accessible and flexible group and individual training opportunities. Workshops range from introductory to advanced sessions on programming, the cloud, advanced computing, data management, and specialized programming interests.

Visit the ACENET Training page to explore workshops and upcoming events, or to submit a training request; there are also video tutorials available for a number of workshops.

Ocean Data 101

Example: Ocean Data in Canada, a free, self-paced training produced by CIOOS Atlantic
Screenshot of Ocean Data in Canada Course Page

For today’s ocean sector startups and small businesses, the ability to use data efficiently and effectively is essential. Similarly, students interested in working in this field can benefit from developing their data skills. As part of Vitality’s efforts to reach these stakeholders, CIOOS Atlantic is producing a series of self-paced and live-delivered trainings on subjects ranging from the fundamentals of ocean data through to more advanced topics like data visualization.

The first course in the series, Ocean Data in Canada, is now available for free on Udemy.com. Ocean Data in Canada is a beginner-friendly, self-paced course that offers a birds-eye view of the Canadian ocean data landscape. It is designed with novices in mind – no technical skills or specific knowledge are required. Topics covered in the course include:

  • Ocean data 101: What do we know about our oceans? Who’s collecting this data, and how?
  •  Open ocean data repositories and search strategies: Where can I go to find ocean data and how do I find it once I’m there?
  •  Use cases: What sorts of problems are ocean data being used to solve?

In the future, live-delivered workshops and self-paced online courses will be produced for several additional topics: ocean data management, data visualization, and skills for success in the blue economy. 

Student, startup, and small business training:

Ocean Data in Canada (free course on Udemy)

In Development

CIOOS Atlantic has developed a survey for small and medium-sized enterprises and students to help prioritize the development of additional data management training. If you fit into one of these categories and would like to provide valuable input about your training needs, please take this short survey.