A data set becomes useful to the community at the same time that the investigator begins to use the data for ocean science. Investigators must plan resources and technician time to accomplish these primary data reduction tasks within one year from the end of the cruise during which the samples were collected. All other measurements and any standard analyses of these measurements must be available to the community within one year after collection. When measurements are taken in foreign waters, the DMO will be responsible for communicating data reports to the State Department as required. Data will be transferred to NODC for permanent archiving.
Investigators are responsible for maintaining biological samples for at least twenty years.
See the report for additional sample preservation requirements. Reminder Each ship collects so called along track data, e.g. date, time, latitude, longitude, and data from each of the ship's sensors such as wind velocity, water depth, air temperature, sea surface temperature, etc. Make sure to get a copy of these data and send a copy to the Data Management Office immediately after the cruise.