National Reporting
The National Reporting module provides a structured mechanism for each IOC Member State to summarize harmful algal event activity on an annual basis.
While individual events are documented as they occur, the Annual Report is a final confirmation from the National Editor that the data for a specific year is complete.
The Reporting Matrix
Accessible via the National Reporting link on your dashboard, the matrix displays the status of the last ten years for your country.
Figure: The national reporting matrix showing annual reporting status across recent years.
Status Definitions
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Events Recorded | At least one event was submitted and approved for that year. The system pre-selects this if data exists. |
| Monitored, No Events | Regular monitoring was performed, but no harmful algal events met the criteria for entry. |
| Not Monitored | No harmful algal monitoring was conducted during that calendar year. |
| Pending Submission | No report has been finalized for this year yet. |
Submitting a Yearly Report
To finalize a year:
- Click Confirm & Submit (or Edit) next to the relevant year.
- Verify Events: If the system detects approved events, the status will be locked to "Events Recorded."
- Add Notes: Provide optional remarks about monitoring effort, data gaps, or changes in institutional responsibility.
- Declaration of Completeness: You must check the box confirming that the report accurately reflects the national monitoring status.
- Submit: Click "Confirm & Submit Report."
Figure: The annual reporting form used to confirm monitoring status and declare completeness for a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I select "Not Monitored" for a year where events exist? To prevent conflicting data, the system won't allow you to mark a year as "Not Monitored" if there is already an approved event for that year in the database. You must either delete the event (if it was an error) or submit the report as "Events Recorded."
Can I edit a report after submitting it? Yes. National Editors can update the status or notes for any past year at any time to reflect newly discovered historical data.
Does this report replace the individual event entries? No. This is a "Meta-Report." You must still enter the scientific details of each specific bloom in the Event Submission section.