How to Request a New Ontology Term

Use this process when you cannot find a suitable existing term in the DFO Salmon Ontology.

Before requesting

  1. Search existing ontology docs: GC DFO Salmon Ontology
  2. Check conventions: Ontology Conventions Guidebook
  3. Confirm the concept is not already represented under another label/synonym.

Minimum request package

Include:

  • proposed label
  • plain-language definition
  • concept type (OWL class/property or SKOS concept)
  • expected parent class or concept scheme
  • usage example from a real workflow (FSAR/SPSR/salmon data package)
  • provenance/source reference (if available)
  • why existing terms are insufficient

Decision criteria

A strong request should:

  • solve a real recurring use case
  • avoid semantic duplication
  • fit existing naming and modeling conventions
  • improve interoperability or data quality

Suggested issue template

## Proposed term
Label: ...
Type: OWL class / OWL property / SKOS concept

## Definition
...

## Placement
Parent class or concept scheme: ...

## Example usage
...

## Why existing terms do not work
...

## Source/provenance
...

After approval

  1. Add term in ontology repository.
  2. Regenerate docs/release artifacts.
  3. Update DSU guidance pages that reference this area.
  4. Update salmon data package/SPSR mappings if intake workflows are affected.