Resources
The Oceans Past Initiative (OPI) partners with a range of global databases and open-access platforms dedicated to marine biodiversity and historical data. These collaborations support interdisciplinary research into the long-term dynamics of marine ecosystems and help build a more comprehensive understanding of oceanic change over time. As part of our commitment to open science, OPI shares these resources widely and welcomes contributions from researchers, marine managers, policymakers, and Indigenous knowledge holders.
If you are interested in collaborating or have questions about accessing or contributing to these databases, please contact us at John.Nicholls@tcd.ie
2026 OPI XI
Databases and platforms
· Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS):
A global, open-access platform providing extensive marine biodiversity data from across the world’s oceans. OBIS is a UNESCO project and a partner of GBIF. It provides United Nations fisheries data for policy makers, research data for academics and various layers of accessible information relating to marine animals.
· British Arctic Whaling Database (BAWD):
A unique compilation of data documenting whaling voyages from British ports between 1750 and 1850, consolidating previously scattered records to support historical analyses of Arctic whaling efforts.
· History of Marine Animal Populations (HMAP):
Developed as part of a pioneering research initiative, these datasets cover ocean regions around the globe from 1600 to the late 20th century and laid the groundwork for OPI’s current work. Link to the datasets.
· Norfish:
An ERC funded project that explored the “North Atlantic Fish Revolution”. It investigated and researched an Environmental History of the North Atlantic 1400-1700, providing numerous publications and datasets.
· HansDoc:
A searchable online archive of transcribed and annotated Hanseatic manuscripts related to fisheries and trade across regions including the Shetland Islands, Iceland, Scotland, and the Baltic ports.
· DanDoc:
A curated selection of Danish Chancellery records from the 16th and 17th centuries, focusing on topics related to fishing, fisheries trade, and associated political and legal frameworks. DanDoc is a key component of the NORFISH Project.
· SeaCite:
A digital archive of historical citations and records related to marine environments and governance.
· ICES Working Group on the History of Fish and Fisheries (WGHIST):
A collaborative research group under the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, dedicated to integrating historical data into current fisheries science and management.