The International Environmental Specimen Banks--let's get visible

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Biomonitoring

Background:

• Environmental specimen banks (ESBs) are crucial for long-term environmental research and monitoring.
• The field of environmental specimen banking is experiencing renewed interest due to regulatory needs for biota standards and trend data.
• The International Environmental Specimen Bank Group (IESB) facilitates global development and cooperation among national ESBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of international environmental specimen banking activities.
• To document the diversity of national sampling programs, archived samples, and research conducted.
• To gauge interest in international collaboration among ESBs.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to national ESBs worldwide.
• Detailed information was collected on archived samples, sampling strategies, and completed studies.
• Survey responses were analyzed to identify commonalities and differences in ESB operations.

Main Results:

• National sampling programs exhibit significant diversity in scope and focus.
• ESBs archive a wide range of environmental samples, supported by varied sampling strategies.
• All surveyed ESBs expressed a strong interest in collaborative projects.
• Collected data is intended for public dissemination.

Conclusions:

• Environmental specimen banking is a diverse and evolving field with growing international relevance.
• Enhanced international cooperation among ESBs can strengthen global environmental monitoring and research capabilities.
• The public availability of collected data will support broader scientific inquiry and regulatory efforts.