What is Baseline Data Anyway?

Have you ever heard a specific term or phrase in a conversation and told yourself you’ll look it up later because you don’t want to sound silly asking for clarification? In the meantime, however, you’re still trying to puzzle out what exactly this term meant, only half paying attention to the rest of the conversation.

It’s a super common phenomenon. People are afraid to look dumb. The older or more “experienced” you’re supposed to be, the more averse you are to looking like you don’t understand what’s going on. Because, for some reason, people think they’re supposed to intuitively understand every piece of nuanced jargon that has been thrown in their direction.

It’s okay to ask questions. It’s encouraged to ask questions! This is how real science happens, how real change can be made. Ask ALL the questions!

In this quick episode, we’re taking it down to the very basics, and breaking down a term that you’ve likely heard before: Baseline Data. Baseline data is a fundamental concept that drives scientific research, and the understanding of our oceans and, really, the planet as a whole. Without baseline data, research and conservation efforts would become insignificant. How can you tell if something is out of the ordinary if there’s no baseline data?

Even if you’re already familiar with the term, guaranteed you’ll learn something new in today’s episode.

If you dig today’s scientific jargon breakdown and want more, or have a suggestion for a different phrase you’re wondering about, please leave a comment in the show notes or send me an email (hello@marinebio.life).

Quick Links
Port of Miami dredging
Species of Whale
Whales eat krill (Finding Nemo)
Whale Washes ashore with plastic
Operation Crayweed
Oyster Recovery Partnership
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
Project Baseline

Show Notes
What is baseline data? 00:50
What sea turtle’s and lawnmowers have in common [1:40]
Learn why green sea turtles are so named [1:58]
Dredging in the Port of Miami and how baseline data influenced [2:55]
Whale eating mechanisms [3:30]
Seaweed Restoration in Sydney Harbor [4:25]
Methods of data collection [5:13]
Write underwater! [6:03]
Baseline on our health [6:55]
What you can do to help [7:25]
Challenge for you [8:00]