ZooGene, a DNA sequence database for calanoid copepods and euphausiids:

an OBIS tool for uniform standards of species identification

Ann Bucklin, University of New Hampshire

Bruce W. Frost, University of Washington

Peter H. Wiebe, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Michael J. Fogarty, NOAA/NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Co-PI: Robert C. Groman, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

An international partnership has been established to create a zooplankton genomic (ZooGeneTM) database of DNA type sequences for calanoid copepods and euphausiids. The ZooGeneTM partnership includes four lead investigators and thirteen expert taxonomic consultants from seven countries.

Objectives of the ZooGene Partnership

establishment of a nexus of taxonomic experts for calanoid copepods and euphausiids, with focused effort on selected genera and regions

creation of mtCOI type sequences for 200 species of calanoid copepods and 86 species of euphausiids, based on verified identification of species by taxonomic authorities

design, creation, management of the ZooGeneTM database, a searchable web-based database for use as a tool for uniform species identification; integrated with the GenBank DNA sequence database and OBIS

design and implementation of a ZooGeneTM curriculum module, with molecular kit-based protocol, focused on marine biodiversity, biotechnology, or bioinformatics for high school students

Funded by the National Science Foundation under the auspices of the National Ocean Partnership Program,

the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Census of Marine Life