Observer Program

Observer Database (LODS)

Data collected by observers in the Pacific Islands Longline Fisheries (Hawaii and American Samoa) are entered into a web based Oracle database called LODS or Longline Observer Data System. LODS which was designed and is being maintained the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is a complete suite of tools designed to collect, process, and manage quality fisheries data and information. Guided by the principles of the NOAA Data Quality Act, LODS is the result of the collaboration and cooperation of scientists, data collectors and information management experts across the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Region.

LODS is an end-to-end data management solution, articulating the four major data management areas of data collection management, data resource development, data maintenance and data dissemination. Every effort was made to eliminate redundant or unnecessary data items and to have the core data collection items be formally adopted by data stewards that would assume the responsibility of maintaining complete documentation and regular review of the quality, objectivity and suitability of the data item.

While unsummarized data are deemed confidential, information about these data - metadata - needs to be complete, accurate and publicly available. LODS makes that possible by managing the what, where, when, how, and who of all data objects in the database and by providing access to that information on the system web site.

System Features

A web based user-interface for data entry, data management, and data access
Data managed in a single enterprise database to eliminate possibilities for data transfer contamination
System security and reliability provided through user role management
Complete data history logging, including date, user, and before/after data values
A web portal provides the details - metadata - in the design, collection, management and dissemination of data and information, along with publications and training resources
Data validation documented and applied consistently across longline trips
Reference code management does not require changes to the database or data entry application
Data issues reporting and resolution managed in the database with automated notification of opened and closed issues to appropriate users
Work-flow tracking managed in the database and fully integrated into the data entry application
Harmonization of data collection forms and data entry application
Adoption of national Fisheries Information System principles and guidelines to support future reporting of fisheries information
Comprehensive system administration support tools for managing users, validation checks, system activities, reference codes and much more

Observer Program

Observer Database (LODS)

System Features

Pacific Islands Regional Office

Fisheries Service