What we Do
CoBI's mission is to promote the knowledge of marine biodiversity through dissemination and community outreach activities, and by supporting taxonomic, genetic, biogeographic and evolutionary studies that underpin the understanding of societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystem conservation and food security.
The deposited biological material is normally prepared to enable its use both in morphological and molecular studies. The specimens originate mainly from the NE Atlantic Ocean, particularly the Iberian margin, but other regions of the world are also represented. The collection is managed through an extensive database containing all relevant information on the specimens (biogeography, ecology, systematics, associated DNA sequences, history of use). Additionally, CoBI users may have access to microscopy equipment, a bibliographic archive and other supporting materials for the study of specimens.