Sampling Operations Database Application (SODA) Manual 2023 Sampling Operations Database Application – Version 6.0 for FY23

The information collected in the Okeanos Explorer (EX) Sampling Operations Database Application (SODA) was customized for the sampling operation protocols developed prior to the launch of the Campaign to Address Pacific Monument Science, Technology, and Ocean NEeds (CAPSTONE) expedition in FY15. Prior to FY17 and the last year of the campaign, the EX_SODA was updated with new and improved ideas of how the data should be categorized and new requirements by CAPSTONE Chief Scientist, Christopher Kelley. Beginning in FY19, the Global Foundation for Ocean Exploration (GFOE) took over ownership and administration of the Sample Data Management laptop that SODA runs on, to help streamline and improve onboard network connections. In FY20, the SODA was unused because of the field season cancellation due to COVID, however, updates to the user interface were made to accommodate the plans to collect water samples for eDNA analysis. The following is a guide for the onboard Sample Data Manager (“the SDM”) to use the SODA during an ROV mission on which sampling will be taking place.