THE NECOP DATA MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Principal Investigator:
James C. Hendee
Collaborating scientist(s):
Betty Huss
Objective:
The purpose of the Nutrient Enhanced Coastal Ocean Productivity (NECOP)
program was basically to examine the effect of eutrophication by the Mississippi River on the
oceanography and fisheries of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Biological, physical, chemical and
geological oceanographic parameters were investigated to determine these effects from 1990
through 1993. Follow up studies and data services were provided from 1993 through 1995. The
primary objectives of the NECOP Data Management Program were to,
Provide a system of tracking of oceanographic samples
Provide rapid means for the dissemination of NECOP data products
among NECOP Principal Investigators (PIs)
Forward quality controlled data sets to the the National
Oceanographic Data Center (NODC)
Rationale:
Because of the large number of NECOP cruises (27) and the number of NECOP
scientists (over 50), a system was needed to provide integration of data products and services to the
NECOP group. Also, since the NECOP project was a NOAA funded program (Coastal Ocean
Program), all quality controlled data sets were required to be forwarded the NODC.
Method:
Sample Inventory Tracking. A special software package (SeaLog) was
programmed for input of
sample inventory information at sea. A data manager was on board nearly all NECOP cruises to
ensure that samples were correctly input into the software.
Rapid Data Access. A Remote Bulletin Board System (RBBS), an
Internet File Transfer Protocol
(FTP) site, and NECOP World-Wide Web (WWW) server were developed for the purpose of
rapid access to data by all NECOP PIs. These PIs were asked to submit their
data within two
years of sample collection, after which time they were submitted to NODC. During the time of
proprietary holding of data sets, PIs could access each other's data
through the electronic methods above.
Data Archival. NECOP quality controlled data sets were forwarded to NODC after proprietary
holding of the NECOP data sets. These data have proven very valuable to scientists interested in
the oceanography of the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Accomplishment:
The NECOP WWW Page is still operational and continues to be improved.
For instance, daily Coast-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) bulletins of
the Gulf of Mexico are still provided. Software produced by the NECOP
Data Management Program have been instrumental in other data management
efforts. Many NECOP publications have benefitted
from the provision of quality controlled data sets to the PIs. The system wherein quality controlled
data were forwarded to NODC has provided a model for other NOAA funded agencies and
programs.
Key reference:
Hendee, J.C.. 1994. Data management for the Nutrient Enhanced Coastal Ocean Productivity
Program. Estuaries 17(4): 900-903.
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