IMIS

The National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) version 8.0 release of the NODC Taxonomic Code, contains approximately 244,000 records. The NODC Taxonomic Code is the largest, most flexible, and widely used of the various coding schemes developed over the past two decades to adapt the Linnean system of biological nomenclature to modern methods of data storage and retrieval. Up to now the NODC Taxonomic Code was based on a system of code numbers that reflected taxonomic relationships. Over the years the problems and shortcomings created by this approach have become more apparent. At the same time, relational database management systems have been developed that enable efficient searches and retrievals to be conducted without the need for taxonomic information to be built into the codes. Therefore, Version 8.0 of the NODC Taxonomic Code is a transition product that includes both the original types of codes as well as codes for a new system that will overcome past problems and provide greater capabilities.