Biology: Integrating Core to Essential Variables (Bio-ICE) Task Team Reports Introduction

The goal of the Bio-ICE Task Team, convened from July 2020 - January 2022, was to advance the integration of biological observations from local, regional, and federal sources using best practices to inform national needs and ultimately feed into GOOS data visualizations and reporting. Using the GOOS marine mammals and corals EOVs as examples, the Task Team sought to: 1. Reconcile U.S. federal collection of these variables with GOOS EOVs and the Group on Earth Observations’ EBVs, identifying synergies in spatial and temporal observing requirements and with existing observation infrastructure and delivery, including use of documented best practices and standards. 2. Identify and improve pathways for data flow for observations of these variables from the IOOS Regional Associations and federal sources into common data portals. This included a focus on identifying and implementing best practices for standardized data collection and delivery adhering to the FAIR and CARE data principles, as appropriate. The Task Team effort focused on corals and marine mammals to ensure the work of the task team was achievable within the time frame. These two EOVs were selected because of their importance to multiple stakeholders, as well as offering opportunities to tie-in to several critical U.S. priorities in ocean science. While the team chose this focus, it acknowledged that there are activities and communities working to advance the other biology and ecosystem essential variables in ways that might be similar to or synergistic with the task team, such as SCOR Working Group 158: Coordinated Global Research Assessment of Seagrass System (C-GRASS), global efforts to coordinate ocean sound monitoring and data, GOOS BioEco panel community workshops and ongoing panel activities, and other efforts worth tracking or considering for future engagement with IOOC.