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Connecting Oceans, Connecting Data - Panama Joins OBIS

25 August 2025

Isla Franklin in Panama’s San Blas archipelago is surrounded by some of the Caribbean’s best-preserved coral reefs, home to sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant marine life. Photo: Chema Photo / Unsplash


We are thrilled to welcome Panama as the newest member of the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) community. With its strategic location bridging the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, Panama plays a key role in marine biodiversity and ecological connectivity. In this interview, we speak with Hermelinda Peralta, Manager of the newly certified OBIS Panama Node, about the journey that led to this milestone, Panama’s marine data ecosystem, the role of librarians in reshaping it, and how Panama aims to emerge as a driving force for data mobilization in Central America. Her insights shed light on how Panama plans to enhance regional cooperation, open data sharing, and science-based marine conservation.



OBIS: Congratulations on Panama joining OBIS! Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background and future role in the OBIS Panama Node?

Hermelinda Peralta: My name is Hermelinda Peralta, and I am a trained librarian with a Master’s in Information Management and another in Business Administration and Executive Management. I have been involved in various projects related to scientific information management across different fields, particularly in open science and open data initiatives. I currently serve as the National Coordinator of Marine Information Management for the IODE Programme in Panama, the Data and Information Management Coordinator for the National Oceanographic Data Centre (NODC – Panama), and the Manager of the OBIS Panama Node. I was part of the AmeliCA Panama team and participated in inter-university projects through the Office of Academic and Scientific Publications (OPAC) at the University of Panama. These experiences have helped me develop strategies to increase the visibility of scientific output and infrastructure for open-access marine data. In this new role as OBIS Panama Node manager, I hope to actively contribute to strengthening regional cooperation in marine biodiversity, promoting data standardization, and supporting capacity development aligned with open science!

Why was it important for Panama to become a part of the OBIS network? What were the main drivers or motivations behind this decision?

Joining OBIS was a strategic decision aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity data management and increasing Panama’s participation in international open science networks. Due to its unique geographic position as a natural bridge between two oceans and its highly diverse marine-coastal ecosystems, Panama plays a crucial role in collecting and disseminating data on species in transit, invasive species, and ecological connectivity. The University of Panama, acting as the national focal point for the IODE Programme and host of the NODC, was officially appointed by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) to lead this process. This strong institutional foundation allowed us to move forward with our certification as an OBIS Node. The key driver was the collective commitment to making national data more visible, improving system interoperability, and promoting evidence-based marine conservation by bringing together scientific, technical, and governmental communities under a shared vision of sustainability.

Inauguration of Panama’s National Oceanographic Data Centre at the Simón Bolívar Inter-American Library, with Rector Dr. Eduardo Flores Castro and IOC–Panama President Eng. Arnulfo Sánchez, accompanied by authorities and members of the NODC technical team.

Can you tell us about the journey to becoming an OBIS Node? Did you get a lot of support from the community?

Officially, this journey started with the official recognition of Panama’s National Oceanographic Data Centre during the 28th Session of the IODE Committee, in March 2025. From there, we worked to develop technical capacities, drafted a national roadmap, and held several training sessions to align with international standards for marine biodiversity data publishing and management. We received invaluable support from the OBIS Colombia Node and from the Marine and Coastal Research Institute (INVEMAR) in Santa Marta, who guided us through training, data curation, standards review, and technical advice. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) also provided essential scientific support.
Nationally, we conducted a diagnostic survey among research centres and laboratories, followed by in-person meetings to address questions on data publishing, validation, and open access. To enrich the process and engage representatives from across Panama’s marine data community, we actively involved relevant researchers, technicians, and data managers from institutions such as the University of Panama, the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama, the Ministry of Environment of Panama, The Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación of the Republic of Panama (SENACYT, officially known in English as the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation), the Panama Canal Authority, and the Technological University of Panama. Our coordinated national effort culminated in our official certification as an OBIS Node on June 9, 2025, a collective achievement reflecting Panama’s commitment to open science and international cooperation.

The whole OBIS Community is delighted to have you on board! Can you walk us through the marine biodiversity data landscape in Panama? Who are the key data holders, and what types of data are available?

We run a national diagnostic survey to identify the main institutions generating marine biodiversity data in Panama. These include research centres at the University of Panama; the Autoridad de los Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá (ARAP, the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama, in English), and especially its mariculture stations, as well as the Gracilaria culture station; the Marine Coastal Lab at the Technological University of Panama; the Coastal and Marine Directorate and National Environmental Information System of the Ministry of Environment of Panama, the Coiba Scientific Station AIP (a public interest association that operates a marine and terrestrial research station headquartered in Coiba National Park); and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, which advises the IODE Panama Programme. These institutions generate a massive amount of data on marine and coastal biodiversity, water quality, marine genetics, species transit monitoring, taxonomy, georeferenced records, and specimen collections. However, many of these datasets are not yet centralized or publicly available through global platforms, creating de facto “data islands” where crucial information is shelved and locked. We also realized that public institutions and private entities that generate important biodiversity data don’t know whether, how or where to share it. Additionally, we perceived that when it comes to data sharing, the issue is often data ownership. When projects are funded via sources external to a research institution, there is often some confusion over whether the data belongs to the funder, the institution, or the lead investigator.

To address these issues, we have worked with Erika Montoya, from INVEMAR in Colombia, on a dedicated, 3-phase training program. We identified 16 researchers from five key institutions who showed willingness to share their data, and invited them to a meeting to address their doubts and questions about data sharing, ownership and recognition. We then plan to request support from IOC/IODE’s OceanTeacher Global Academy (OTGA) programme for a tailored online course, followed by an in-person workshop in Panama. The goal is to ensure that after this process, the selected researchers can publish their data into OBIS. Our training is practical, hands-on and adapted to their real needs. Moreover, the insights we collected during the survey will serve as the foundation for turning these institutions into Associated Data Units (ADUs), allowing them to be formally recognized as strategic data providers and strengthening Panama’s national scientific data exchange network.

What are some of the biggest challenges you foresee in mobilizing and sharing marine biodiversity data in Panama?

The absence of a national data-sharing policy is a major challenge, leading to fragmented management and limited standardization. Addressing validation, data ownership and intellectual property rights, as well as interoperability, will be key to strengthening governance. These are common concerns we have identified in our early engagements with national stakeholders. Progress so far has mainly been achieved through collaborative governance models, mostly within academia, which, again, highlights the central role of universities in building a national data infrastructure in Panama. We need to develop and implement clear governance mechanisms and technical guidance at the national level, across domains and disciplines. This is the reason why, as a response, we are proposing the creation of ADUs to formalize data providers, promote interoperability and traceability, and ensure alignment with FAIR principles—Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

Furthermore, to increase its regional scientific leadership, Panama needs to strengthen its data governance and align with international science standards. Coming from a library science background, I see the gaps clearly: many institutions here still consider publishing a PDF online sufficient for accessibility, often without using metadata. We want to change that mindset, at the country scale.

Iconic species are being tagged with satellite technology in Panamanian Pacific waters. Protecting marine ecosystems and developing sustainable fishing practices are essential to maintaining biodiversity and the well-being of coastal communities.

How do librarians fit into Panama’s marine open science strategy?

Librarians are essential. We have been dealing with metadata long before it became a trending topic in data management. In Panama, librarians are leading many of the open science efforts, especially at the University of Panama. We’re managing academic publishing workflows and metadata curation, and now we’re extending this expertise to marine biodiversity data. I believe librarians can play a central role in supporting researchers by handling metadata and data workflows, primarily through, as said before, the ADU model. These ADUs, created within major Panamanian research institutions, would be staffed with trained librarians to support researchers with metadata management and data publication processes. This strategy was specifically developed to fit our national data landscape, maximize the mobilization of available resources, and ensure long-term sustainability. We realized that in Panama, researchers are busy and often overwhelmed by the complex requirements of global data platforms. Having librarians help them is essential for achieving our goal to increase Panama’s contributions to global data platforms.

Given Panama’s unique position, do you see specific opportunities for OBIS Panama to contribute data or insights other nodes may not provide, such as biodiversity in transit or data linked to the Panama Canal?

Panama’s geographic location, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a region of intense marine traffic and rich biodiversity, offers unique conditions to generate data on biodiversity in transit, migratory and invasive species, and the impacts of the Panama Canal as both a biological and commercial corridor. And despite institutional and infrastructure limitations, we have already started identifying key actors with relevant data in these areas. Our next challenge is to build technical capacity and establish sustainable mechanisms to mobilize and share these data in line with international standards. As a newly certified Node, our contribution will grow gradually, but we aim to provide a valuable regional perspective from Central America, a region that is still underrepresented in OBIS. We also see potential for OBIS Panama to make visible data that have not yet been integrated into the global network, while ensuring appropriate validation, governance, and institutional collaboration.

Panama is joining a growing OBIS community in the Latin America and Caribbean region. How do you see this strengthening regional collaboration and capacity building?

Our participation as an OBIS Node is an opportunity to enhance regional collaboration around marine biodiversity data management, particularly among Central American countries where engagement with IODE is still limited. One of our national strategies has been the development of a model for Associated Data Units (ADUs), through which we accredit and support data-generating centres in aligning with international standards. Although this structure is not required to become an OBIS data provider, we are implementing it as a good data governance practice that could serve as a reference for countries with similar contexts.
We also maintain active relationships with regional academic networks such as the Consejo Superior Universitario Centroamericano (CSUCA, officially known in English as the Higher University Council of Central America) and its Central American Integrated Documentary Information System (Sistema Integrado de Información Documental Centroamericano, or SIIDCA in short), exploring possible partnerships with universities that are not yet part of IODE but could benefit from the Panamanian model to build local capacity and join OBIS. We are evaluating this line of action cautiously, in alignment with OBIS Secretariat guidance.

Technical team and national partners of NODC–Panama, working together toward an open and sustainable marine data infrastructure.


Are there any ongoing or upcoming projects, initiatives, or partnerships that you are particularly excited about?

Yes, at this initial stage, we are particularly excited about the development of the National Network of Associated Data Units (ADU–Panama). This initiative aims to strengthen national institutions that have responded positively to our country’s call, offering them technical support from the Panamaian National Oceanographic Data Centre and OBIS Panama Node to facilitate their accreditation as marine data providers. Our primary goal right now is to make existing data in Panama visible and accessible through global platforms. We see this as a key step toward building a national data governance structure based on openness, standardization, and collaboration. Our strongest alliance today is with the national technical and scientific talent willing to work together to ensure Panama’s presence in global marine data networks. This internal collaboration is crucial for building a strong foundation from the local to the regional level.

What role do you think OBIS can play in supporting policy and conservation efforts in Panama?

OBIS is an invaluable strategic resource for Panama. It provides the open, georeferenced, and standardized data that we need to form a strong scientific foundation for designing, monitoring, and evaluating marine conservation policies.

Although our country is still strengthening its marine spatial planning mechanisms, OBIS already offers a concrete opportunity to support the designation of marine protected areas, monitoring of sensitive species and ecosystems, and designing adaptive marine management in response to climate change.

OBIS also connects scientific, technical, and management communities, enhancing data interoperability across national institutions. This integration reinforces the technical foundation needed to meet international commitments such as the 2030 Agenda, the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. We believe OBIS plays a crucial role in providing reliable evidence to support informed decision-making and promote integrated, sustainable Ocean governance.
Finally, OBIS, like other major global biodiversity data platforms, will contribute to increasing the visibility of our researchers and data contributors. This is a major incentive for data holders to contribute to OBIS. At the University of Panama, we’re aligning our publishing policies so that researchers must share datasets along with manuscripts. OBIS and GBIF offer DOIs for datasets, and soon, having a DOI will be mandatory for submitting articles to our university journals. So contributing to OBIS will directly support academic publishing and increase visibility for both researchers and their institutions.

Lastly, what message would you like to share with the global OBIS community as Panama joins the network?

Panama joins the OBIS network with humility, commitment, and a firm belief in the value of scientific collaboration. We know there is still a long road ahead, but we are confident each step aligns with our shared vision and goals. We are deeply grateful for the support received from OBIS Colombia, INVEMAR, and everyone who contributed generously to this process.

From our position in Central America, we hope to contribute high-quality marine biodiversity data, but also dedication, knowledge, and a spirit of regional solidarity. We invite countries in Central America to join us in this collective effort, as we are convinced that open and collaborative science is essential to protecting our oceans and ensuring their sustainability for future generations. We aspire to be more than just a Node. Our goal is to serve as a regional support hub, coordinating training, fostering ADUs in neighbouring countries, and advancing open science through university networks to increase Central America’s collective capacity. After all, our region is “where the Pacific and Atlantic offer us life… and the data to understand it!”