IMIS

The foundation of biodiversity research and management is correctly identifying and naming species. This project will produce a register of marine species in Europe, linked with a bibliography of identification guides, register of taxonomic experts, locations of collections of reference specimens, and an Information Pack on European marine biodiversity (based on this project’s results). The species register is novel in its geographic extent, range of taxa covered, and use of state-of-the-art World Wide Web software for publication and networking. It will be drafted by experts from published literature and existing (but more limited) species lists, circulated to a wider range of experts for comments, revised and finally verified before publication as a book. The quality of the finished product, and its wide availability to end-users, are key elements of the project. Both the draft and final versions will be in the public domain and accessible through the World Wide Web. The first phase of the project is producing an Intellectual Property Rights agreement between contributors and the project that will lead to a mechanism for the management of the Register after the project ends. It is anticipated that the Register will become a standard reference (and technological tool) for marine biodiversity training, research and management in Europe. The project started in April 1998 and will end in March 2000. People interested, especially those with expertise in marine taxa, are invited to contact the co-ordinator or other participants to get on the project circulation list.