Drowning in Data
Drowning in Data: by Liberty Denman and Dr Adam Wyness
Our understanding of the Ocean and its conservation perpetually lags behind its terrestrial counterparts. There are numerous reasons for this, the most prominent, perhaps, being its vastness and depth, making data collection a seemingly impossible task.
Having said that, at a time where we all seem to want MORE of everything, you might be safe to assume that this also applies to data. This would only be partially true. As technology continues to develop, we find ourselves left with the challenge of managing vast amounts of data. The term “DRIP” meaning Data-Rich, Information-Poor, has been around since it was first coined in 1983's "In Search of Excellence". However, it has never been more important to Ocean monitoring than it is now. The DRIP is rapidly becoming a torrent.
As we head into a future in which the sustainable use of the Ocean will support demand for food, trade, medicine and just about anything else you can think of, it becomes crucial to refine our monitoring approaches, particularly in the context of Marine Protected Areas (“MPAs”) and the delicate benthic ecosystems they harbour.
The expanse of the Ocean conceals a wealth of information, yet translating this data into meaningful insights for effective marine conservation remains a challenge. The DRIP phenomenon illustrates the need for a paradigm shift in the way we collect, process, and utilise information to inform decision-making, refining monitoring strategies to ensure the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, particularly within the context of renewable energy development and the establishment of MPAs.
This is all well and good to know but how do we actually avoid the DRIP trap, where data overload hinders effective decision-making? Let's break it down (not on the dancefloor!).
Strategic Data Collection
Prioritise data collection based on specific goals and environmental concerns.
Focus on key indicators that offer comprehensive insights into the health of benthic ecosystems. While we are progressing, we simply can’t do everything with the time constraints we have created through climate change, a clear focus is needed.
Community Engagement
Foster a collaborative approach to data collection and interpretation, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered, importantly, from the beginning. This ensures everyone is onboard and feels heard from the off.
Involve local communities and stakeholders in monitoring initiatives. Many local communities are stewards of their waterways and will notice small changes so can assist with local knowledge as well as citizen science
Integrated Monitoring Platforms
Establish integrated monitoring platforms that consolidate data from various sources - you know how we feel about collaboration and holistic data sets at Kai - positively! Without putting this information together, key things may be missed.
Use advanced technologies such as autonomous vehicles and sensors for real-time data acquisition. Another thing we’re keen on is novel tech. There is a huge wealth of information we can gather from working with local stakeholders and indigenous communities. However, to take the two-eyed approach, we must pair this wisdom with information gathered from new methods to reach depths we couldn’t previously.
Data Synthesis and Analysis
Invest in advanced analytics to process and synthesise data efficiently.
Extend and utilize data dashboards that bring together and summarise vast datasets into a human- readable, user-centric format.
Develop models that can predict potential impacts on benthic ecosystems, aiding proactive decision-making. AI will be critical in this space.
Adaptive Management Strategies
Implement adaptive management strategies that respond to real-time data feedback. Conservation is often viewed with the lens or returning it to how it was. But like everything, nature keeps moving and shifting particularly with climate change. We need to ensure our conservation will still work 10, 50 or 100 years from now.
Regularly review and update monitoring protocols based on the evolving understanding of marine ecosystems.
Fixing the DRIP in marine environmental monitoring requires a concerted effort to streamline monitoring efforts. By prioritising strategic data collection, employing integrated monitoring platforms, and fostering collaboration with end users, we can navigate the waves of information more effectively. In doing so, we not only ensure the responsible use of the Ocean but also safeguard the intricate balance of benthic ecosystems within the framework of Marine Protected Areas.
Further Reading
For more on this important subject, we encourage you to take a look at work by
"Turning off the DRIP (‘Data-rich, information-poor’) – rationalising monitoring with a focus on marine renewable energy developments and the benthos" by Thomas A. Wilding, Andrew B. Gill, Arjen Boon, Emma Sheehan, Jean–Claude Dauvin, Jean-Philippe Pezy, Francis O’Beirn, Urszula Janas, Liis Rostin and Ilse De Mesel
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032117303295
"The “data-rich but information-poor” syndrome in water quality monitoring" by Robert C. Ward, Jim C. Loftis & Graham B. McBride
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF01867251