Introducing GOSSIP (General Ocean Survey and Sampling Iterative Protocol)

In marine science there are almost as many sampling methods as there are researchers. Our individual research questions are fundamental to how we conduct our research and the data we collect; however, understanding the... [ view full abstract ]

In marine science there are almost as many sampling methods as there are researchers. Our individual research questions are fundamental to how we conduct our research and the data we collect; however, understanding the patterns of diversity of ocean life over different temporal and geographic scales requires extensive data both biological and environmental. Therefore, to address these questions, extensive collaboration and comparable data are required. GOSSIP (General Ocean Survey and Sampling Iterative Protocol) is a multidisciplinary framework for generating globally comparable data for biological communities, which has been designed as a guide on how these data can be collected. In this presentation we will share the 20 parameters that have been chosen, explain why each is considered important and how the framework could be utilised. GOSSIP is intended to change over time as technology and techniques evolve. Alongside this recently published paper, we have produced a technical guide that simply pulls together data on current protocols and indicates where further information can be found.