1. Introduction

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The Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals, led by Ocean Discovery League (ODL), are 10,000 strategically selected seafloor locations that, when visually explored, will provide the first statistically representative characterization of the global deep seafloor.

 

ODL strongly supports and encourages findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) ocean data principles. Accelerating deep-sea exploration requires shared knowledge, interoperable datasets, and cross-sector and cross-border collaboration. Open data increases reproducibility, reduces duplication of effort, strengthens global participation, and enables more equitable scientific advancement.

 

At the same time, ODL recognizes and respects:

 

• Indigenous data sovereignty and traditional knowledge rights,

• National jurisdictional authorities and permitting frameworks,

• Ethical research standards and community agreements, and

• The intellectual contributions of data collectors and institutions.

 

We are committed to working collaboratively with participating researchers, institutions, governments, and communities to ensure that data are shared responsibly and credited appropriately.

 

This policy outlines expectations for reporting completed goals and encourages open data practices while allowing flexibility for ethical, legal, and cultural considerations.

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2. Reporting Completion of a Global Deep Sea Exploration Goal

 

When a participating researcher or organization completes a visual exploration of a designated Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals point (within the defined 5K buffer area and meeting the minimum observation criteria), they are expected to notify ODL and provide baseline verification data.

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Notification of Completion

Researchers should inform ODL within 90 days of expedition completion by submitting a Goal Completion Form (online submission portal provided by ODL).

 

The submission should include:

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• Organization name

• Principal Investigator (PI) or vessel operator (as appropriate) and contact information

• Expedition name and dates

• Vessel/platform used

• Vehicle used

• Permit or jurisdiction (if applicable)

• Baseline Verification Data Requirements (see Section 3)

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3. Baseline Verification Data Requirements

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To verify that a goal has been completed, the following minimum dataset must be submitted:

 

Required Metadata​​

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• Geographic Location​

• Depth (meters)

• Date and time (UTC)

• Latitude and longitude (decimal degrees to XX decimal points)

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CTD or Environmental Data

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• At minimum: temperature and depth

• Preferred (if available): salinity, oxygen, and/or other environmental measurements

• Format: CSV, or equivalent standard

 

Visual Documentation​

One of the following:

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• A minimum 1-minute video clip (MP4 or MOV) at 1080/4k with a clear view of the seafloor, and/or

• At least 10 still images (JPEG, TIFF, or PNG)

  • Preferred: Complete video or image file(s) at the highest resolution possible 

• Imagery must clearly demonstrate the presence of seafloor within the goal buffer area.

• Include timestamp and metadata.

• Link to where images are archived or contact information for the data steward.

 

These materials are used solely for verification and representation within the Global Goals interactive platform (see Section 6).

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4. Data Sharing Expectations

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ODL strongly encourages all participants to make data from completed goal locations as open and accessible as possible, consistent with legal, ethical, and community obligations.

Encouraged Best Practices

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We recommend that data be:

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• Deposited in publicly accessible repositories

• Accompanied by clear metadata and usage licenses

• Linked to publications when applicable

 

Examples of suitable repositories include institutional repositories, national data centers, domain-specific platforms, or international data archives.

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Respecting Cultural and National Rights & Confidentiality

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ODL acknowledges that:

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• Data collected within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) may be subject to national regulations

• Indigenous communities may retain rights over data collected in their waters

• Certain ecological or cultural information may require restricted access

 

In such cases:

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• ODL will work with researchers and relevant authorities to determine appropriate levels of data visibility

• Sensitive metadata may be generalized if necessary

 

Open data is encouraged, but never at the expense of ethical obligations, sovereign rights, or community agreements.

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5. Attribution and Credit

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ODL recognizes that field data collection is resource-intensive and requires substantial expertise. Accordingly:

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• The collecting organization retains ownership of submitted data unless otherwise specified.

• All data represented in the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals platform will clearly credit:

  • Organization name.

  • Data repository link (if applicable).

• ODL will not redistribute full datasets without permission.

 

ODL requests that participants acknowledge the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals in publications when appropriate.

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6. Representation in the Global Goals Interactive Platform

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Upon verification, the completed point will be updated in the public Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals Interactive Platform.

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Visual Representation

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The goal point will:

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• Change Visual Observation status to “Completed.”

• Display expedition metadata in the location details pane.

• Include a completion date.

• Show the contributing organization and expedition name.​

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Each completed goal may include:

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• A direct link to the public data repository (preferred), or

• Contact information for the participating organization for follow-up inquiries and data access requests.

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No raw datasets will be hosted directly by ODL unless explicitly agreed upon.

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7. Data Use by Ocean Discovery League

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Baseline verification materials may be used by ODL for:

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• Verification of goal completion.

• Visual representation in the interactive platform.

• Communications, reports, and educational materials.

• Aggregate progress metrics and statistical analysis.

• Derivative science from comparing different goal points.

 

ODL will not:

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• Sell submitted data

• Re-license datasets without permission

• Alter or manipulate scientific content

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8. Compliance & Integrity

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Submission of verification materials constitutes confirmation that:

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• Data were collected legally and ethically.

• Necessary permits were secured.

• Reporting is accurate to the best of the researcher’s knowledge.

 

ODL reserves the right to:

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• Request clarification or additional verification.

• Remove a completion designation if inaccuracies are identified.

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9. Policy Review & Evolution

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This data policy will evolve as the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals initiative grows and as international standards for ocean data governance continue to develop. ODL welcomes feedback to ensure this policy reflects best practices in open science and responsible data stewardship.

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10. Contact

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For questions regarding data submission, permissions, or representation in the Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals Interactive, contact ODL at ahoy@oceandiscoveryleague.org.