The Sustainable Seas Institute (SSI) is committed to open science. The data we collect aboard R/V Dawn and with our research partners is made freely available so that scientists, educators, students, and policymakers can use it to understand and protect our oceans and freshwater systems.
Our Data Home: GOCOS
All SSI research data is stored and shared through GOCOS, the Global Ocean Contamination Open-Source Ecosystem. GOCOS is an open-source web platform and data repository developed by SSI with UNC Charlotte. It brings peer-reviewed measurements of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and microplastics together in one place, with an interactive map of sampling stations and live access to our datasets. GOCOS works in any web browser and can be installed on a phone or tablet as an app.
Datasets
The following datasets are currently available through GOCOS. Archived versions are also deposited on Zenodo with permanent DOIs for citation.
- Ocean PFAS Dataset: PFAS concentrations in Caribbean surface waters collected aboard R/V Dawn. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20262315
- Inland Water PFAS Dataset: PFAS concentrations in inland and freshwater systems. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20262399
- Arctic PFAS Dataset: In-situ PFAS measurements from Arctic expeditions, part of NSF Award 2444939 in collaboration with the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.
Field Methods
SSI’s primary research platform is R/V Dawn, a 39-foot sailing research vessel. Sailing allows our team to reach remote coastal and open-ocean locations with a low environmental footprint. Samples are collected at established sampling stations, including 22 stations across the Caribbean that are shown on the GOCOS map. For each sample we record the date, time, and GPS position so that every measurement can be tied to a specific place and time.
Because PFAS are found in many everyday materials, sampling is carried out with care to avoid contaminating the samples. Field blanks and quality control samples are collected alongside environmental samples.
Laboratory Methods
Water samples are analyzed for PFAS by our university research partners using established analytical methods. Microplastic particles are isolated from samples and characterized by size, shape, and polymer type. Results are reviewed for quality before they are added to GOCOS, and methods for each dataset are described in the associated publications and Zenodo records.
Data Access and Use
- View and explore: Browse stations and results on the interactive map at GOCOS.
- Download and cite: Use the Zenodo DOIs listed above to download archived datasets and to cite them in your work.
- Open source: The GOCOS software is open source, and we welcome collaborators who would like to contribute data or tools.
If you would like to collaborate, contribute data, or have questions about our methods, please contact the Sustainable Seas Institute.