ECKOchain: A FAIR blockchain-based database for long-term ecological data

Abstract

Open data practices in ecology are increasingly accepted, yet primary long-term ecological data remain hard to find. Barriers preventing open long-term ecological data include social and economic constructs such as a sense of data proprietorship and fear of misuse of complex datasets. To incentivise open primary ecological data and ensure long-term preservation, we propose a decentralised data management approach using blockchain technology. The blockchain-based database is governed by transparent and immutable data management protocols, agreed on by members of the network. Specialised protocols ensure agreement in the network before new data is accepted, and no entity can single-handedly alter existing data. We introduce the ECKOchain, a ‘proof of concept’ ecological blockchain-based database created with the Hyperledger Fabric framework. While metadata and access policies are distributed to all network members, primary data remains with data owners and are served on-demand to approved parties according to specified usage licences. Details of data requests are preserved indefinitely on the blockchain and serve as auditable data usage agreements. With the distributed blockchain-based database we advocate for open science and transparency in long-term management of ecological data. The ECKOchain is also suitable for other scientific fields where auditability and transparency are considerations to long-term data management.