901512 Integrated Time Series 2018 Phase 2 Responses

1. For example, previously you decided to focus on El Niño events as a test case. What became of that investigation?

We did not find strong relationships between the time series and decided to focus on improving the taxonomic time series with the intent of returning to El Nino later.

2. Has the key list of “indicator species” evolved?

As we have been moving forward, we are identifying key species that are seemingly always present, regardless of conditions.  We may also look at other species that vary with seasons and conditions, but are not the primary indicator species. The 6 key species for the Video TAG targets have not changed.

3. Beyond the planned Ocean Sciences presentation, what’s next – will there be a publication?

Yes.

4. Are the milestones for next year consistent with completing the project in 2019 (y-5 of a 5y effort)?

Yes.

5. What’s driving the requirements for the data analytics tool development?

The requirements are being driven by scientific analysis which establishes linkages between the three time series.  Products created during the scientific analysis are vetted as possible requirements for integration into the analytics tool.

6. Would it be useful to have others outside of the lead PIs participate in a design review to provide additional input?

Not at this time.

7. Would this study benefit by making comparisons to other time-series studies (e.g., Porcupine Abyssal Plain Observatory, Bermuda Atlantic plankton time series)?

Our integration efforts are unique. None of these other studies are trying to integrate three distinct time series. They are specific, focused time series, not an effort to integrate different time series that were created separately. Our individual time series studies do make comparisons with these external studies.

We are looking into comparing some local time series, in particular, the fisheries group at Santa Cruz who have carried out similar analytical methods to those that we are applying.