A database is an organized collection of data or a type of data [1]. In science, databases are really important for data management and ease of understanding and/or visualising data.
When writing a scientific paper or doing a project, whether in school or in a job, it frequently occurs that you need to reference a database of some sort. It also becomes useful when you have to build a database of your own to know what should be included for the structure of the dataset and so that your data is relevant and clear to others. There are many marine databases that span different topics and uses, and I want to give an overview of them in this article.
For example, when writing my master’s thesis, I often utilized OBIS, Kartverket, and Miljødirektoratet for marine species and habitat data.
WoRMS, WoRMS – World Register of Marine Species
WoRMS is an authoritative database aiming to provide the most accurate and comprehensive list of marine organism names. It helps standardize marine species names and offers detailed taxonomic information. You can also find photos and drawings of specimen on here.
OBIS, Ocean Biodiversity Information System
OBIS is a global open-access data system that collects and shares information about the distribution and diversity of marine life, supporting marine research, conservation, and policy-making.
WOD, World Ocean Database | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
WOD is the world’s largest publicly available collection of ocean profile data, including temperature, salinity, and other oceanographic variables, used widely for climate and environmental research. It is managed by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
MarinLit, MarinLit – A database of the marine natural products literature
MarinLit is a specialized database focused on the literature of marine natural products, especially chemical compounds derived from marine organisms, widely used by chemists and pharmaceutical researchers.
Marine Regions, Marine Regions
Marine Regions combines geographic information with marine place names and boundaries (like seas, marine protected areas, and Exclusive Economic Zones), supporting scientific, conservation, and maritime activities.
Kartverket, www.kartverket.no
Kartverket is Norway’s national organization for mapping and land registration. It provides official maps, geographic data, and information on property and maritime boundaries, supporting everything from research and land management to outdoor recreation and emergency planning.
Miljødirektoratet, Miljødirektoratet – Kartkatalog
Miljødirektoratets Kartkatalog is a collection of environmental maps and datasets. It offers access to information like protected areas, habitats, pollution sources, and climate impacts, helping researchers, planners, and the public make environmentally informed decisions.
Comprehensive Marine Natural Products Database (CMNPD), CMNPD
CMNPD is a curated database offering extensive information on chemical compounds discovered from marine sources, including their structures, bioactivities, and original organisms.
EMODnet, Home | European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)
EMODnet provides access to standardized, high-quality marine data across Europe, covering areas like bathymetry, biology, geology, and human activities, helping to support marine management and research.
OSPAR Data & Information Management System, ODIMS – Home
ODIMS, run by the OSPAR Commission, is a platform that provides access to marine environmental data related to the North-East Atlantic, supporting environmental assessments and reporting.
Copernicus Marine Data Store, Copernicus Marine Data Store | Copernicus Marine Service
The Copernicus Marine Data Store provides access to a wide range of marine observation and model data for the global ocean and European seas, supporting applications like environmental monitoring and forecasting.
Google Scholar, Google Scholar
Google Scholar is a free search engine that indexes scholarly articles, theses, books, conference papers, and patents across disciplines, helping users find scientific literature easily.
Web of Science, https://www.webofscience.com/wos/
Web of Science is a comprehensive, subscription-based research platform offering access to scholarly articles, citation indexing, and analytics across a broad range of scientific disciplines.
ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World, ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World
The ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World is a comprehensive collection of maps, data layers, and geographic information covering a wide range of topics, including marine and coastal conservation areas. It’s regularly updated and widely used by researchers, planners, and decision-makers for spatial analysis, map creation, and data-driven storytelling.
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