WoRMS (World Register of Marine Species)
Business Profile
Core Value Proposition
WoRMS (World Register of Marine Species) provides an authoritative, comprehensive, and continuously updated catalogue of marine species names, including synonyms, governed by taxonomic editors and backed by the Aphia platform.
Target Customer
Researchers, taxonomists, data managers, editors and institutions in marine science (universities, museums, research institutes); policy makers and industry users via integrated data services and LifeWatch/OBIS connections
Key Differentiator
Editorial governance model with taxonomic editors and a dedicated Data Management Team, a single robust infrastructure (Aphia) that links taxonomy with distribution, traits and literature, LSID-based identifiers, and strong integrations with LifeWatch, OBIS and other global databases; context-based architecture enabling multiple portals from one entry
Implementation Timeline
Updates and data additions occur daily; no specific implementation timeline is stated. Value is available immediately upon access to WoRMS/Aphia and related services.
Pain Points
- 1Keeping marine taxonomic names up to date across literature and datasets
- 2Managing synonyms and historical naming changes in a centralized, authoritative resource
- 3Integrating taxonomic data with biogeographic, literature and trait information from multiple sources
Key Features
- 1Authoritative list of marine species names with synonyms and vernacular names
- 2Aphia platform: MS SQL database with online editing, 400+ fields across 80+ related tables, and modular data (taxonomy, distribution, traits, literature, etc.)
- 3LSIDs (Life Science Identifiers) for stable linking of names and data
- 4Web services and LifeWatch integration for data access and interoperability
- 5Context-based data organization: Global, Regional, and Thematic Species Databases (GSD, RSD, TSD) within Aphia
- 6Editable by taxonomic editors with a governance structure (Steering Committee, Editorial Board, DMT)
Target Customer Industries
Decision Makers
- 1Chair (WoRMS Steering Committee)
- 2Vice-chair (WoRMS Steering Committee)
- 3Editor (Taxonomic Editor / Editorial Board member)
- 4Editorial Board member
- 5Data Management Team (DMT) member
- 6Datamanager
Client Results
- 1Accepted marine species: 248,713 (98% checked)
- 2Marine species names, including synonyms: 518,419
- 3Species with image: 53,397 (81% checked)
- 4 WoRMS editors: 346
- 5Registered institutional users: 425
- 6Webhits: 142,629,626 (In 2024)
Competitive Advantages
- 1Authoritative, expert-controlled taxonomy rather than automated crowd-sourcing
- 2Integrated infrastructure (Aphia) linking taxonomy with distribution, literature, traits, and images
- 3Stable identifiers (LSIDs) enabling reliable cross-database linking
- 4Open data access with web services and LifeWatch/backbone integrations (OBIS, EurOBIS, GenBank links on species pages)
- 5Flexible âcontextsâ allowing a single entry to serve multiple portals (global, regional, thematic)
Key Benefits
Case Studies & Success Stories
NELOS divers use WoRMS in digital dive log: a step toward citizen science
The Flemish diving federation NELOS vzw integrated WoRMS into its internal DIVES platformâa Digital Verification System used to log tens of thousands of dives each year.
Rotifer World Catalog now available through the Aphia platform
The Rotifer World Catalog found a new home in Aphia, with a dedicated portal and marine representatives displayed through WoRMS.
Additional Product Information
Product Description
WoRMS is an authoritative, continuously updated catalogue of marine species names (via the Aphia platform) that combines validated taxonomy, distribution, literature, and traits data, with editorial governance and interoperability through web services and LifeWatch integration.
Target Market
Academic and research institutions, museums, editors and taxonomists, life sciences and biodiversity data networks, and organizations integrating marine species data (e.g., LifeWatch/OBIS collaborations).
Unique Value Proposition
A globally coordinated, editor-led taxonomy backbone for marine life, backed by a robust data platform (Aphia) that enables consistent naming, depth of metadata, cross-database linking, and wide interoperability across major biodiversity infrastructures.
Technical Requirements
{"Aphia platform (MS SQL database) with online editing environment","Taxonomic editors and data management teams to maintain content","Web services for programmatic access","Context-based portals (Global/Regional/Thematic) for content delivery","Links to external databases (e.g., GenBank, OBIS, EurOBIS) via shared data structures"}
Pricing Model
Not specified
Companies Solving Similar Problems
Based on matching: problems solved, target roles, key features, industries
Y Combinator
Y Combinator helps startups make something people want by providing early-stage funding, mentorship, and a strong network.
goQR.me QR Code Generator
goQR.me QR Code Generator provides free QR code creation for commercial and print usage, including logo-enabled codes and vector exports (EPS/SVG) for high-quality print.
Dell Technology Solutions
Dell provides technology solutions, services, and support, offering a wide range of products including laptops, desktops, servers, storage, monitors, gaming accessories, and more.
JBITSS Technology Solutions
Providing comprehensive technology solutions tailored to business needs.
BuiltWith Web Technology Usage Trends
BuiltWith provides detailed web technology usage statistics and insights for businesses and developers.
Design and Development Services
Umuzi Digital provides comprehensive design, product development, and strategic digital support at a fraction of the cost, enabling businesses to enhance their performance and grow.
Get More Profiles Like This
Join 2,000+ professionals getting weekly sales intelligence updates from GoAgentic
Ready to Transform Your Sales Pipeline?
Join 700+ sales professionals automating outreach with AI.
Start Free Trial
No credit card required