Invasive alien species: open access to research data

"How in the world did the impact of invasive alien species (IASs)—such as the American bullfrog—and open access to research data come together as a topic? Turns out that even credentialed scientists have trouble gaining access to research data on the distribution of IASs, leading to limitations in the effectiveness of science to manage worldwide conservation, human and animal health, agriculture and fisheries ... New research published in the journal Management of Biological Invasions demonstrates the importance of open access to research on the study and control of IASs (one of many, many areas of scientific research benefitting from open access to research data). Due to a lack of suitable data, scientists have been unable to inform land managers and advise policy makers on the dangers posed by alien species. The data exists, but what is available is spotty ... Hence, those in the scientific community studying IASs are strong proponents of the concept of open data. These scientists are not alone in their call for open access, as advancements in a multitude of scientific areas are currently stymied by lack of access to research data. Research councils in the UK and Sweden (amongst others) have mandated guidelines for access to and preservation of scientific information ..."