Supporting Programs

Database Development

Aside from providing administrative services such as a centralized directory, public and private web areas, and listservs, UCSB information managers are developing a metadata catalog for all PISCO datasets. These metadata will provide a basis for cross-disciplinary, cross-campus data discovery and sharing. We are currently working with the Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence (KDI) project at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in the development of an ecological metadata management scheme. The data management scheme, modeled after the KDI project, is characterized by a centralized metadata catalog that holds information about raw data physically stored at multiple locations.

UCSB information managers also work with data stewards at each of the PISCO campuses to develop metadata content and means of storing raw datasets.

The Policy Program

Another important focus of the PISCO program at UCSB has been the establishment of productive, two-way interactions among active researchers, policy makers, and the public. PISCO scientists have established connections and frequently share information among a broad spectrum of users and intermediary groups.

Building bridges among academics: PISCO scientists have lead and participated in several working groups through the National Center for Ecological Analysis.

• Developing a Theory of Marine Reserves
• Long-Term Marine Ecological Records
• Open vs. Closed Marine Populations: Synthesis and Analysis of the Evidence

Communicating with policy makers / advisors

• Presentation to Pacific Fishery Management Council on marine reserves (Robert Warner)
• Presentation to California Coastal Commission about the effects of climate change on California's marine resources (Steve Gaines)

Communicating with agencies

• Scientific Advisory Panel for the Marine Reserves Working Group, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
• Nearshore Fisheries Management Workshop: aimed at making recommendations to California Department of Fish and Game to help them create fisheries management plans for Marine Life Management Act
• Scientific advisory committee for Southern California Marine Monitoring
• Scientific advisory panel for Channel Islands National Park
• Nature Conservancy, Channel Islands National Park, University of California Natural Reserve joint conservation committee.