Research Planning Data Added to the Regional Ocean Data Portals

In 2024, the RWSC launched a stand-alone Research Planning Map. That map displays data curated by each RWSC Subcommittee showing the locations of data collection infrastructure and activities, including transects flown by aircraft to observe whales and point locations where acoustic receivers record signals from passing tagged fish, for example.

The integration of Research Planning data into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Ocean Data Portals will increase the accessibility of that information to decision makers who are already using the Portals for permit review and other ocean planning and management applications.

Hosted by the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) and Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO), the RWSC is a voluntary forum for federal agencies, states, industry, and nonprofit organizations to work together and with the research community to conduct coordinated marine life and habitat research in U.S. Atlantic waters.

The stand-alone Research Planning Map website will continue to be maintained and updated at https://rwsc.org/map for a short time and then it will be retired. All links to the Research Planning Map will redirect to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Ocean Data Portals. Data will continue to be reviewed and updated regularly by the Subcommittees.

Visit the Portal’s Research Planning page in the Data Catalog to learn more about each of the Research Planning Subcategories (e.g., Visual Surveys, Plankton Surveys, Passive Acoustic Monitoring) and where the information comes from or click the green “i” icon next to any map layer for summary information and direct links to their Data Catalog entries.