5. Locating and producing data

5.2 Data sources and platforms for Ocean Accounts

This section provides a more comprehensive treatment of data sources, building on the more specific guidance provided in Chapter 3. As advised in Chapter 3, there is a broad range of national data that can be exploited to compile ocean accounts, including:

  • Existing statistical data such as the SNA, Census and social surveys, ongoing SEEA-CF and SEEA-EEA accounts such as solid waste, land, ecosystem condition, water, energy, environmental activities, ongoing compilations such as environmental compendia using FDES.
  • Existing geospatial data, such as national land cover maps.
  • Existing administrative data, such as fish catch or mine production statistics.

These existing data can be repurposed for use in ocean accounts. However, existing data may not be sufficient to compile the accounts that have been designated as priorities. In these cases, compilers may need to explore alternative sources, such as global geospatial and monitoring data. As well, they may need to apply estimation methods, including modelling, to fill gaps or build scenarios of future conditions.

This section provides insights into ongoing efforts to inventory, integrate and make available data on the ocean including:

  • Improving the collection, integration, and applying a digital ecosystem for the environment
  • New developments in Earth observation data
  • Ongoing work to develop Essential Ocean and Ecosystem Variables
  • Developments in national and international fisheries data
  • Insights into data on socio-economic conditions
  • A review of data platforms (large data collections available online)
  • Using modelling to fill data gaps or make estimates about the future
  • Suggestions for a set of Core Ocean Statistics selected to be globally applicable and feasible

5.2.1 The case for a digital ecosystem for the environment

In the discussion paper “The Case for a Digital Ecosystem for the Environment” (Jensen & Campbell, 2019), UN Environment makes a compelling case on how data, technology and innovation can transform the way environmental data are collected and managed, and thus can critically enable conditions for better governance.

As reported by the UN Secretary General’s Independent Expert Advisory Group on a Data Revolution for Sustainable Development, without high-quality geospatial data, the task of designing, monitoring, and evaluating effective policies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is almost impossible. The same concept can be applied to Ocean Accounting, whereby new data management technologies, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cloud storage of information, together with an increased volume of accessible geospatial data, are making it possible to manage, share, process, and analyze large volumes of data in near real-time as well as democratize access to the data itself.

The digital ecosystem proposed by UN Environment would comprise the following four main components:

  1. Data
  2. Infrastructure
  3. Applications
  4. User engagement and capacity building

5.2.2 Earth observation data

Earth observation data have revolutionized our ability to monitor and manage the environment, including the ocean. Satellite data provide comprehensive, consistent, and timely information on various aspects of the ocean, such as sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration, sea level rise, and ice cover.

Key sources of Earth observation data include:

  • Copernicus Programme: Provides high-resolution satellite data for environmental monitoring.
  • Landsat Program: Offers long-term data on land and coastal changes.
  • NOAA Satellites: Monitor ocean and atmospheric conditions.
  • MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer): Provides data on ocean color, temperature, and more.

5.2.3 “Essential” Ocean and Ecosystem Variables

Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) and Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) are critical for monitoring the state and changes in ocean and coastal ecosystems. These variables provide a standardized approach to measuring key aspects of the environment, enabling better comparisons and integration of data across different regions and timescales.

Key EOVs include:

  • Sea surface temperature
  • Chlorophyll concentration
  • Ocean acidification
  • Sea level rise

Key EBVs include:

  • Species abundance and distribution
  • Habitat extent and condition
  • Ecosystem function

5.2.4 Fisheries data (national)

National fisheries data are crucial for understanding the contribution of fisheries to the economy, food security, and livelihoods. These data include information on fish catch, fishing effort, aquaculture production, and economic value.

Sources of national fisheries data include:

  • National Fisheries Departments: Collect and report data on commercial and recreational fisheries.
  • Statistical Surveys: Provide detailed information on fishing activities and socio-economic aspects.

5.2.5 Fisheries data (intergovernmental)

Intergovernmental organizations play a significant role in collecting and harmonizing fisheries data across countries. These organizations provide a platform for sharing data and best practices, and for coordinating efforts to manage fish stocks sustainably.

Key sources and initiatives include:

  • Coordinating Working Party on Fishery Statistics (CWP)
  • FISHCODE STF (Strategy for Improving Information on Status and Trends of Capture Fisheries)
  • Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA)
  • Fisheries and Resources Monitoring System (FIRMS)
  • FAO FishFinder: The Species Identification and Data Programme
  • GLOBEFISH: Analysis and information on world fish trade
  • FishStatJ: FAO software for fishery statistical time series

5.2.6 Socio-Economic conditions

Understanding socio-economic conditions is essential for ocean accounts, as human activities and well-being are closely linked to the state of the ocean. Data on socio-economic conditions include information on population, employment, income, and social indicators.

Sources of socio-economic data include:

  • Census Data: Provides detailed demographic information.
  • Household Surveys: Offer insights into income, employment, and living conditions.
  • Administrative Records: Contain data on social services, education, and health.

5.2.7 Data platforms

Data platforms are essential for accessing, managing, and sharing large volumes of data. These platforms provide tools for data visualization, analysis, and dissemination, making it easier for users to work with complex datasets.

Examples of data platforms include:

  • Google Earth Engine (GEE)
  • Copernicus Data Information and Access Services (DIAS)
  • Digital Earth Australia
  • Geo-Wiki

5.2.8 Modelling

Modelling approaches can fill data gaps, estimate missing data, and project future conditions. Models can integrate data from various sources, providing a comprehensive view of the ocean environment and its interactions with human activities.

Applications of modelling in ocean accounts include:

  • Estimating ecosystem services
  • Projecting future changes in ocean conditions
  • Assessing the impacts of human activities on the ocean

5.2.9 Core ocean statistics

Core ocean statistics are a set of key indicators that are relevant to most countries and feasible to collect. These statistics provide a consistent and comparable basis for monitoring the state of the ocean and its contributions to human well-being.

Examples of core ocean statistics include:

  • Extent of key ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, coral reefs)
  • Condition of key ecosystems (e.g., water quality, species diversity)
  • Economic value of ocean-related activities (e.g., fisheries, tourism)
  • Social indicators (e.g., employment in ocean-related sectors)

5.3 Training materials

This section will be populated over time with tutorials, trianing materials and examples relevant to technical guidance.

5.3.1 Calculating extents in QGIS

This QGIS tutorial uses the Maldives as an example to demonstrate how QGIS can be used to visualise various data sources and calaculate information relevant to compiling ocean accounts.

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