Can OBIS help in developing genetic reference databases?

[SSuominen1]

Especially with eDNA data, there is a need for reliable, (possibly local?) genetic reference databases that are used for the taxonomic assignment of sequences. Is there a role that OBIS as a database could have in developing more reliable genetic databases? Obviously we cannot (and do not want to) compete with existing genetic databases, but can we envision possibilities for curation for example?

[dschigel]

We have similar thinking in GBIF, but we start from screening of what is there / coming and only then try identify what is missing (and how to fill these gaps). I am not sure if there is e.g. coordinated planning for building ref libraries of marine barcodes, perhaps BOLD, esp. in Norway can tell? Watching now for ideas. Some of the libraries will be needed across GBIF and OBIS user needs, e.g. nematods.

[claudenozeres]

Can there almost be an analogous situation with WoRMS and their photogallery? Many public images associated with taxonomic names. Some are confirmed as representive, and flagged as such by the taxonomic editor. So a genetic gallery could include many sets, with some confirmed as regional references?