Creating Geographically-Extensive Telemetry Infrastructures and Data Sharing Capabilities in Support of Researchers: The Case of the Ocean Tracking Network

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) is a global acoustic telemetry infrastructure to support research into the movements and survival of aquatic animals, and link both to environmental conditions. Headquartered at Dalhousie University, and funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, OTN began its deployments in 2010. These are strategically placed to enhance existing independent telemetry networks established by OTN partners, and/or create new capabilities in areas of strong scientific interest.  OTN currently maintains infrastructure in Australia, North America, Europe and Africa, with South American deployments beginning in 2014. Autonomous vehicles (Slocum electric gliders, and a Wave Glider) are being used to carry mobile receivers, to harvest data from fixed receivers equipped with acoustic modems, and to provide information on environmental conditions in selected areas. OTN researchers are also pursuing the development of new generations of tags carrying novel sensors. OTN has developed a sophisticated data warehouse to curate global tracking information, and has been recognized as a system of the UN’s Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Currently 395 international scientists from 15 countries are using its platform. Species tracked include vertebrates and invertebrates ranging from white sharks to American lobsters.