ACCSTR Legacy Database Initiative
Preserving the Past to Save the Future

The Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research (ACCSTR) at the University of Florida has developed the Legacy Database Initiative (Preserving the Past to Save the Future).  Sea turtle research programs initiated over the last six decades have generated critical information for the conservation and management of sea turtle populations.  Data from many of these studies of sea turtles in Florida, and around the world, are in danger of being lost in the relatively near future as the originators and holders of these data age.  If the data are not preserved, valuable and irreplaceable data will be lost, with serious consequences for the conservation of sea turtles.  To preserve these data, they must not only be computerized, the data must be carefully documented with the methods used in their collection, such as descriptions of effort and how turtles were measured.  Collectively, this associated information is called metadata.  These datasets and the accompanying metadata should be made available at a permanent website, so that all biologists, conservationists, and managers can access the data.

 

Therefore, the objectives of the Legacy Database Initiative are to:

 

  • Preserve, archive, and computerize the unique and valuable data that have been collected on sea turtle populations from Florida and around the world over the past decades,
  • Organize the necessary metadata associated with these data, and
  • Ensure that these data are available to future generations of sea turtle biologists and conservationists to promote sea turtle conservation.  We envision that some databases will allow for complete access while others may have restricted access depending on the wishes of the data collectors.

Legacy databases currently available:

·       Brevard Sea Turtle Tagging & Data Collection Project:  1972-1980

Participation in the Legacy Database Initiative

If you are interested in participating in or supporting the ACCSTR Legacy Database Initiative, please contact us (see below for contact information).

For further information, please contact:

Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research
PO Box 118525
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida 32611 USA
Email: accstr@ufl.edu

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