Biological Recording

Biological Data Recording in Northern Ireland: An Introduction 

Northern Ireland is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, from its coastal waters to its rolling countryside. To preserve and understand this biodiversity, biological data recording plays a crucial role. This article delves into the importance, methods, and impact of biological data recording in Northern Ireland, and why it is the driving force behind what I do at DGPix.

The Importance of Biological Data Recording

Biological data recording is essential for monitoring and conserving biodiversity. It provides valuable information on species distribution, population trends, and habitat conditions. This data is crucial for informing conservation strategies, land management practices, and policy decisions. By tracking changes in biodiversity, scientists and conservationists can identify threats and implement measures to protect vulnerable species and habitats.

A large chunk of the data is mostly gathered by amateurs and citizen scientists, through their normal wildlife watching hobbies, photography, and other ventures.  I log a lot of my moth trapping data, and all other sightings with my local biological recording centre, but more on that later.

CEDaR and their Initiatives

One of the leading organizations in biological data recording in Northern Ireland is the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR). CEDaR is a partnership between the National Museums Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and the recording community. It collects, stores, manages, and disseminates information on the wildlife of Northern Ireland and its coastal waters.

CEDaR supports various recording schemes and initiatives, such as the National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS), the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), and Shoresearch. These projects engage volunteers in collecting data on plant species, bird populations, and marine life, respectively.  They also accept all wildlife and fauna sightings through their recording portal and this is where I log all my sightings of fungi, birds, invertebrates and plants.  

Some key surveys they ask for records on are Bats, Otters, Dragonflies, and the Irish Stoat Survey.

Impact on Conservation and Research

The data collected through biological recording has a significant impact on conservation and research. It helps identify priority areas for conservation, assess the effectiveness of conservation measures, and guide land management practices. Researchers use this data to study species interactions, ecosystem dynamics, and the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

Biological data also informs policy decisions and environmental management plans. By providing accurate and up-to-date information, it ensures that conservation efforts are based on sound scientific evidence. This data is shared with policymakers, landowners, and the public to promote awareness and support for biodiversity conservation.

One really useful side of the CEDaR recording system is the map - all records can be explored using the mapping system, and this can be a fantastic resource to researchers and recorders alike.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its importance, biological data recording faces several challenges, including data quality, volunteer recruitment, and funding. Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data is crucial for its effective use in research and conservation. Recruiting and retaining volunteers for long-term monitoring projects can be challenging, requiring ongoing engagement and support.  The current battle for climate change awareness also plays a role in this and is ongoing at all levels of society.

To address these challenges, organisations like CEDaR are developing innovative solutions, such as online recording platforms, training programs, and community outreach initiatives. These efforts aim to enhance data quality, increase volunteer participation, and secure funding for long-term projects.  Please do support this work where possible to further our understanding and preservation of Northern Ireland's diverse wildlife.