Management of marine natural resources through by biodiversity informatics

Traditionally there has always been a barrier between scientists and policy makers. They live in different worlds so to speak. However, a close collaboration between the two will be needed if we want to tackle the problem of a responsible use of the Earth's natural resources. Also, a truly global collaboration will be needed and a polling of all information sources, including developed and developing countries. The ongoing large scale introduction of information technology in biodiversity studies will allow researchers to combine all kinds of different datasets and information systems. This will also create new tools allowing interpretation and extrapolation for various use, both for science and for policy-making. The Internet will provide the means to combine all knowledge into one electronic information facility that can be accessed by all parties involved. Electronic scientific information systems offer new avenues for training and capacity building. In this paper the problem of reliable biodiversity assessments and the present day limited use of the information for policy-making is discussed. Examples of the applications of innovative information technological tools in the field of biodiversity informatics are given. There is hope that the barrier will fade.