Announcement: 40,000 Sea Slug Observation Records Published on International Databases

Introduction

Hello, this is Kimoto, the operator of "SEASLUG.WORLD". Thank you always for your participation and support.

It has been 10 years since the site launched in 2015. We are pleased to announce that we have organized the more than 40,000 valuable sea slug observation records contributed by all of you into a formal scientific dataset and published it on international databases.

Background

"SEASLUG.WORLD" is built on photographic observation records contributed by divers and naturalists from around the world. Each photograph and record is extremely valuable information for understanding sea slug distribution and ecology.

We had long hoped to share this precious data — entrusted to us by all of you — not just within the site but in a form that researchers in Japan and abroad could more easily access and use widely in academic research. Now that the preparations are complete, we have moved forward with public release.

Technical significance of the published data

The records have been registered in the following formats.

1. DOI (DOI: 10.48518/00032)

A DOI is a persistent identifier assigned to datasets, similar to those for academic papers. With it, the collective body of your observation records becomes a single, reliable dataset that can be cited accurately in research publications.

2. BISMaL (Biological Information System for Marine Life)

A domestic database operated by JAMSTEC (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology). This makes the data more accessible to the Japanese research community. ▶ BISMaL Dataset Page

3. OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System)

The world's largest marine biodiversity database, supported by UNESCO and others. Your records become part of the foundation that contributes to global sea slug research and to our understanding of marine biodiversity. ▶ OBIS Dataset Page

Closing

On the milestone of the site's 10th anniversary, we are deeply pleased that each photograph and observation record contributed by all of you has taken its first step as a global research asset in this form. We hope this dataset will contribute, even a little, to future sea slug research and to understanding marine environments. Thank you for your continued support of "SEASLUG.WORLD".