Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Research Vessel Data and Sample Distribution Policy
The Scripps data and sample policy follows the approach of the National Science Foundation described in publication NSF 24-124: Division of Ocean Sciences Sample and Data Policy (https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2024/nsf24124/nsf24124.jsp)
The Division of Ocean Sciences requires that meta data files, full data sets, derived products and physical collections must be made publicly accessible upon publication, or within two (2) years of collection, whichever comes first. This includes software and derived data products (e.g., model results, output, and workflows). A brief description of preferred data and physical collection archives and centers and their criteria for submission can be found on the OCE website.... Data should be in a format that is easily accessible; data output in a format that is not readily accessible should be accompanied by a readme file and a script to allow reading it.
Where no disciplinary, institutional, or generalist data or sample repository or archive exists for collected original data and sample types, the PI is required to identify a preservation plan in a Data Management and Sharing Plan that complies with the general philosophy of sharing research products and data within two years of collection as described above.
Scripps Data Policy
The following data distribution policy will be in effect for cruises funded by any source unless superceded by the data policy of the funding agency. It is the chief scientist's responsibility to know the data policy of the funding agency, and in cases that require non-standard data handling, to provide documentation of this policy to Scripps Institution of Oceanography in order that we may comply appropriately.
The Scripps data policy is intended to be both fair and flexible. Any limit on access to original data, samples, or other information beyond the two-year moratorium period must be based on compelling justification, documented in a Data Management and Sharing Plan of the proposal, or approved by the Associate Director (and reviewed by the Scripps Marine Operations Committee). Such exceptions have been, and are likely to remain, rare.
Public Data
Operational data are considered to be non-proprietary. These data include navigation, ship speed, ship orientation (pitch/roll/yaw), and winch data (payout, tension, speed). Swath sonar coverage information (the geographic position of individual soundings) is also considered nonproprietary. The inventory of all routine underway data files is also considered non-proprietary. These data will be used 1) to inform public audiences how and where samples and geophysical data were collected, and 2) to assist with future cruise planning and operations. Weather observations and environmental data (such as wind speed and direction and barometric pressure) used in routine reporting of sea conditions and/or sea state are also considered non-proprietary.
Scientific Data
Digital copies of underway data will be provided to the chief scientist at the end of the cruise. A second copy will be sent to the Scripps Geological Data Center, acting as a partner in the NSF-sponsored Rolling Deck to Repository (R2R) program (http://www.rvdata.us). R2R works with the US academic research fleet community to routinely document, assess, and preserve the underway sensor data from oceanographic research vessels. This ensures the data are properly archived, and assists investigators in fulfilling agency reporting requirements. After the cruise, R2R will contact the chief scientist to plan for data submission to long-term public archives such as the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI: http://ncei.noaa.gov/), and made available online at http://www.rvdata.us/.
Data acquired during the cruise by specialized facilities such as the Oceanographic Data Facility (ODF), National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF), Ocean Bottom Seismograph Instrument Pool (OBSIP), or National Marine Seismic Facility (NMSF) are archived through arrangements with the NSF-supported CCHDO, MGDS(@IEDA), and/or IRIS Data Centers. For all other data acquired on your expedition it is the responsibility of the Chief Scientist to ensure that these data are submitted to appropriate repositories. The chief scientist is also responsible for all reporting commitments mandated by the terms of the funding agency.
Temporary Moratorium on Data Distribution
If authorized by the project sponsor, chief scientists may seek a temporary hold on data from sensors other than described above as explicitly non-proprietary. The moratorium duration is two years in most cases.
Foreign Clearance Data Requirements
For deployments aboard Scripps-operated vessels that involve Marine Scientific Research clearance in the waters of a non-US coastal state, the transmission of most or all data acquired within foreign waters may be required to be released to that country. It is the responsibility of the chief scientist to understand and comply with all data requirements of all foreign clearance permits. However, the Scripps Foreign Clearance Office is available to assist scientists in meeting these obligations.