1. Overview of the USGS Aquatic Informatics Program & Progress on US OBIS Regional Node Doug Beard, Ph.D., Reston

2. Biology Geology Geography Water U.S Geological Survey GIO

3. Why an NBII? Over a billion dollars a year invested in biological data collection and management Limited coordination, integration, and common standards Limited access to existing data, information, and analysis tools

4. NBII Mandate National Research Council report, A Biological Survey for the Nation, 1993 National Spatial Data Infrastructure Executive Order, 1994 PCAST report, Teaming With Life: Investing in Science to Understand and Use America’s Living Capital, 1998 Congressional appropriations, FY01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06

5. Biological Informatics Program

6. Provide an information system to support the conservation and restoration of ecological and biological resources Goal of NBII

7. NBII Node Structure Thematic Infrastructure Regional

9. US OBIS Accomplishments in First Year $10K Funding from USGS/NBII Created US OBIS Web Site Developed Short and Long Term Plans Developed Access to –Gulf of Maine Data –Bishop Museum Data

10. Short Term Priorities for the US Node $30K Funding from USGS/NBII Enhance the existing Marine Node Web Site and access point to US RON Develop fact sheet defining the US RON (mission, goals, users, tools, products etc) Incorporate the following data into US OBIS –CReefs (underway) –MMS (already offered) –ExxonMobile (already offered) –NOAA OE (already offered) –EPA EMAP (currently on OBIS) Work with IOOS/DMAC to draft customer driven products Continue outreach efforts to raise funding

11. Future of US OBIS

12. How do we envision FAR will be used? 1.) Have North American sturgeon populations been affected by beluga sturgeon collapse? 2.) What is the state of fish habitat in the United States and where should I focus management and research efforts? 3.) How has the status of Eastern Brook Trout changed in the last 50 years and why?

13. How do we envision FAR will be used? 4.) Where are the most important aquatic biodiversity spots in the Gulf of Mexico? 5.) I need to calculate an Index of Biotic Integrity for my waters, how have others done this and are their tools available to help me? 6.) Is there a standard way to report fisheries monitoring information so it can be used beyond my initial goal?

14. FreshwaterMarine Images (NBII Digitial Lib.) Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Aquaculture U.S. OBIS Catalogue Links Coral Fisheries/Aquatic Biodiversity DIGR/Biodiversity Caribbean Reef at Risk HI Scleractinian Coral Florida Coral Reefs Gulf States - SEAMAP NOAA Linkages Gulf of Maine Data Bishop Museum Data

22. National Fish Habitat Initiative Action Plan

23. Aquatic habitat is rapidly being lost or destroyed, displacing aquatic species and causing their decline worldwide. Declining quality and quantity of habitats means fewer recreational fishing and boating opportunities. Why do we need a National Fish Habitat Initiative (NFHI)?

24. 3. Measure and communicate.  Establish national goals for habitat conservation and issue a regular national report: Status of Fish Habitats.  Enhance data sharing and transfer of information.  Develop baselines, indicators, measures of success and more cost-effective strategies.

25. What do we need from the USNC Advocacy for the US RON Prioritization of Data for Incorporation Feedback on Strategy Identification of User Based Products Funding Opportunities