Open Collections

Abstract

A survey of volunteer ecologists across Canada explored the status and vulnerability of freshwater ecological datasets. The survey collected information on data types, storage and protection methods, public accessibility, and existing sustainability strategies. Results indicated that few datasets are both accessible and protected within a stable management framework. Although numerous datasets exist, researchers often lacked information about their management. Our findings reveal that ecological datasets are generally not managed in a way that ensures their long-term availability for research. Billions of dollars are spent annually collecting data for various research purposes, including one-off studies. This data, essential for biodiversity and cumulative effects analysis, should be readily available. In fact, we identified many drivers that operate from the international to local needs that emphasis the benefits and needs for such data. However, due to a lack of prioritization of data management at all levels of government, much of this publicly funded data is effectively lost to researchers, private sector and the Canadian public. Addressing this data management deficit is critical for Canada to meet its international biodiversity protection commitments in the face of climate change and habitat loss. We anticipate that these survey findings will inform and guide future efforts to improve data stewardship.