By: Christian Novia N Handayani (WWF-Indonesia)

Data is a collection of scientific information recorded in a specific format, for a specific purpose. In a research activity, data is the most important thing to get. Likewise in this #XPDCALORFLOTIM activity.

Benthic and reef fish data collection was carried out in the same location as the data collection in the 2014 Alor - Flotim Expedition. Thus, the data on this #XPDCALORFLOTIM is categorized as repetition data (T1). The repetition data obtained by the team will then be analyzed to determine the health condition of the coral reef ecosystem in Alor and East Flores, compared to conditions three years ago.

In every expedition, there must be one person in charge of the data to ensure that everyone enters the data and collects the data that has been entered. The person in charge of data also ensures that field data sheets are collected and documented.

The task of the person in charge of data can be said to be a difficult one, because he or she has to be the ""bad guy"" on the boat. While the team is exhausted from diving and retrieving data, a "data manager" must still remind them to do data entry. Not to mention if the waters are rough and choppy. All in all, it's a complete nightmare. But no matter what, our professionalism is at stake.

Entry of data should be done immediately by data collectors to avoid data accumulation and maintain data validity. Often, there are fish species that have not been identified during a dive, and the information must be searched for in the identification book. This information is only known to the data collectors. If it is not done immediately, it is likely to be forgotten, and we may lose important information."

Valid data will be very useful when policy makers need scientific studies as a basis for making decisions. In #XPDCALORFLOTIM, this data is the basis for formulating decisions related to improving the management of a marine protected area.

Given the huge task that the #XPDCALORFLOTIM team bears, what can be made, a ""bad guy"" on the ship still continues its duties steadfastly. Kudos to the expedition team for consistently filling the corners of Menami with their laptops, stealing time to input data at any time - even during surface interval.