The JCDP is a collaborative programme led by the ICES Working Group on the Joint Cetacean Data Programme (WGJCDP), supported by stakeholders from a wide range of sectors with representatives from across the north-east Atlantic. Inclusivity and engagement of collaborators from different regions, perspectives and expertise has been integral to the success of the JCDP.
Project Management
JCDP Development Steering Group
To help deliver the project, a steering group was established early on, ensuring relevant representation and expertise would be involved throughout.
The membership primarily comprises representatives from organisations which collect cetacean data in the north-east Atlantic, or have a need to use these data. Those involved include:
Government and Statutory Agencies
A strong evidence base on which to make appropriate policy decisions is essential. Therefore, these organisations have a keen interest in the development of the JCDP platform and associated data products.
Industry
Industrial and commercial marine activities in the north-east Atlantic are varied and widespread, from energy production to extraction of resources. Surveying and monitoring for species, including cetaceans, is a key aspect of marine spatial planning for offshore industry. There is mutual benefit in these data contributing to the JCDP, which will offer access to a growing evidence base and associated data products. These can then be used by marine industry in support of their own monitoring and survey requirements, to inform development.
Academic and Technical
Countries bordering the north-east Atlantic have a wealth of world-class academic and technical experts in the field of cetacean research. The JCDP benefits from the specialist expertise, experience, and innovation from the cetacean academic community, as well as data collected through academic research projects.
Non-Government Organisations
Non-governmental organisations such as marine conservation charities provide an important contribution to cetacean data through extensive volunteer networks and science programmes. Many of these organisations run surveys in the north-east Atlantic which have potential to contribute a significant volume of data to the wider evidence base and help in filling some of the spatial and temporal gaps that exist.
Collaboration
A desire of the JCDP is to support the facilitation of collaboration between data providers and data users. Data providers have an in-depth understanding of how the data were collected and what limitations exist, which is invaluable knowledge when applying the data in analyses. Those contributing data to the JCDP have a vested interest in ensuring outputs are high quality and appropriate, therefore, it is encouraged to consider collaborating in the pursuit of robust science from the JCDP dataset.
The JCDP Data Portal and metadata system gives access to submitted data and provides facilities to contact with and collaboration with data providers. Please visit these websites and follow the links from there.
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