NOAA Fisheries is modernizing our data infrastructure and workforce. We recognized the need for modernization years ago and began evolving our data sources and collection methods to meet the changing conditions in our oceans. We are turbocharging the rate at which we transform our data acquisition enterprise.
We are building the groundwork for a long-term shift in our information culture and influencing large-scale change. We will address challenges in sharing crucial data across regions through cloud and Open Science solutions. Our foundational efforts will allow us to:
- Deliver mission-critical information
- Support survey and fishery data requirements
- Bring us into a modern data era
We will focus on data initiatives that improve our sustainable fisheries management processes. Marine species are undergoing shifts in their population numbers and location, which are impacting the people, businesses, and communities that depend on them. Our efforts will help us achieve one of our top priorities: increasing our pace of response to rapidly changing ocean conditions.
We will improve customer satisfaction by modernizing our approach to data service and delivery. This approach will reduce both the human and financial burden of managing our data. We will also invest in training initiatives to equip our workforce with innovative skill sets and an open mindset to embrace new technologies. Our aim is to make our information open, accessible, and responsive to rapidly evolving mission demands.
These efforts align with our existing data work, supplement appropriated funding, and support regional efforts for our other priorities. In addition, our data modernization efforts will support climate-ready fisheries. It will ensure we are maximizing our ability to deliver reliable, mission-critical information.
Modernization Priorities
Below is an overview of the areas we are focusing on to modernize our data infrastructure and workforce.
Modernizing Management
A key goal is to modernize and integrate management data systems while leveraging the cloud to ensure our data is interoperable. It will reduce time to science for reliable citizen services.
- Modernization and development of systems to address increased data demands for protected species management
- Modernization and integration of federal systems to provide improved customer service
Develop and Deploy Fully Enabled Cloud Solutions
We will scope and implement cloud-based solutions to address the incoming demands of science requirements. This will support efficient data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
- Establish the NOAA Fisheries cloud program
- Develop and implement an enterprise modernization plan for fishery-dependent data systems
Promote a Data-Driven Culture Through the Adoption of Open Science Initiatives
Our objective is to fully enable open science, which will modernize the way our scientific community collaborates on data-intensive science. It will also improve the quality of our scientific products.
- Leverage Openscapes to develop best practices, direct culture change, and develop human capital requirements
- Operationalize Open Science across the modeling community
Formalize the Operating Model for Modernization
We will refine and formalize a workforce model for the future. We will scope and define the business case for a modernized NOAA Fisheries data and information landscape. The business operating model will outline how we capture and offer value through products, services, value proposition, customers, key partners, and more. It will also outline how we will deliver on that value. This is critical in ensuring sustainable, long-term growth in modernization efforts.
- Define a business operating model for modernization
- Define a customer relationship model that ensures information, science, and technology exist together to serve our mission
Align Data Management and System Standards
We will support our ability to strengthen and enact clear data standards and accountability metrics through a robust data governance framework. As part of the framework, our standards and metrics will enable enhanced internal and external collaboration for long-term mission success. This will accelerate enterprise-wide agility as we acclimate with leading technologies.
- Use our data governance framework to enable interoperability and sharing
