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  4. I downloaded data from the Global Fishing Watch platform or public APIs before 1 August 2024, and when I downloaded the same data now, it has changed. Is this expected?

I downloaded data from the Global Fishing Watch platform or public APIs before 1 August 2024, and when I downloaded the same data now, it has changed. Is this expected?

I downloaded data from the Global Fishing Watch platform or public APIs before 1 August 2024, and when I downloaded the same data now, it has changed. Is this expected?
1

Yes, this is expected.

Global Fishing Watch are actively working to improve data reproducibility. Because we ingest new satellite data daily, we constantly update our information. This means that what we previously identified as the end of a voyage or a vessel slowing down could now be part of a continuous voyage or a fishing event. This is the nature of continuously updating data feeds. However, some calculated events may not require the latest data to remain effective, and we are reviewing these datasets to minimize constant changes from new data as much as possible.

Additionally, when we detect errors or flaws in our data that need updating, this can also impact reproducibility. We are committed to enhancing our communication on these updates, starting with every AIS pipeline release. Moreover, Global Fishing Watch has implemented automatic and ongoing monitoring and review of our data pipelines and is continually building upon this quality assurance framework.

If you need access to your previous data, we recommend you review the Global Fishing Watch FAQs.

If you have any questions or concerns over changing data or data you have identified as different, please reach out to [email protected] with the subject: ‘New release in AIS data pipeline – data question’.

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