As open as possible, as protected as necessary

ICTIO system data do not exist in a single version. Some details, such as the exact coordinates of a fishing site or the identity of who recorded a catch, could affect people, communities, or species if published without care. That is why ICTIO organizes its data into four access levels. Each level is a different version of the same resource, and opening a level never happens automatically.

How to access sensitive ICTIO system data?

When research, a conservation project, or a technical analysis requires more detail than is publicly available, it is possible to request access to level 2, that is, the dataset with record coordinates. Interested people or organizations must send a formal request to the Amazon Waters Alliance Technical Secretariat at observatorio@aguasamazonicas.org, using the Data sharing agreement form.

The Technical Secretariat reviews each request together with the data custodian when appropriate. If approved, access is formalized with an agreement that defines purpose, scope, duration, security measures, and redistribution restrictions. If it cannot be approved, the decision is communicated with reasons.

Accessing level 2 data carries the same recognition commitments as any use of the Observatory, and some additional ones. Before submitting a request, it is recommended to review section 2.3 of the Citation guide / Data use, which explains how to cite the dataset and its DOI, how to recognize the organizations and communities that generated the information, and how to notify use and reuse of the resulting products.