The next target is to reach 200,000, or roughly 80% of known marine species, by the end of 2008.

The World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS, http://marinespecies.org) has now 110,000 valid marine species names, and thus easily reached the target of 100,000 the team had set itself for the end of 2007. The next target is to reach 200,000, or roughly 80% of known marine species, by the end of 2008. WoRMS is now already used in the quality control of species names in OBIS, and will soon be included in the web interface. Thanks to the team at the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ, http://www.vliz.be) for bringing this together, and the many taxonomists who have donated time and effort to this venture.