The table below describes the data fields that shall be collected by the ROS (either by human onboard observers and/or electronic monitoring, which can be complemented by other means, such as port sampling). The format in which these data fields are to be collected is for individual CPC observer programs to decide. However, standard forms developed specifically for the IOTC ROS are available for use[1].
Two categories of data fields are required under the ROS Data Collection Fields, as outlined below:
- Mandatory Data Fields (MR). Data fields marked as "MR" are the minimum required data fields to be collected and reported to the IOTC Secretariat.
- Optional Data Fields (OR). Data fields marked as "OR" are optional for collection and reporting to the IOTC Secretariat. These ROS Data Fields are considered useful for additional analysis. Therefore, it is suggested that if these data fields are collected, they be submitted to the IOTC, or that the IOTC be informed of their collection and availability for particular studies.
For data fields that are reported to IOTC:
- All dates should be reported as YYYY/MM/DD regardless of the format in which they were collected
- All times should be reported in UTC[2] (hh:mm) regardless of the time zone and format in which they were collected
- All positions should be reported as dd°mm,m’ indicating if north or south of the equator (regardless of the format in which they were collected).
- All units of measurement should be clearly indicated.
[1] http://www.iotc.org/science/regional-observer-scheme-science
[2] Coordinated Universal Time
