Diatoms.org: supporting taxonomists, connecting communities

Area of Science:

• * Aquatic ecology and biodiversity science.
• * Phycology and algology.
• * Environmental science and biomonitoring.

Background:

• * Accurate diatom identification is crucial for ecological and biogeographical studies, yet taxonomic consistency is hindered by scattered, inaccessible, and contradictory literature.
• * Rapid taxonomic revisions outpace traditional flora updates, creating challenges for diatom researchers.
• * Existing literature is often costly or difficult to access, further impeding consistent diatom identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To establish a community-driven content creation platform for freely accessible diatom taxonomic, ecological, and image-based data.
• * To address the challenges of inconsistent diatom identification by aggregating and curating information.
• * To provide an accessible resource for researchers, students, and the public interested in diatom science.

Main Methods:

• * Development of Diatoms.org as an open, online content curation community.
• * Aggregation of existing taxonomic and ecological data for North American diatoms.
• * Creation of new content and incorporation of user feedback, including corrections and nomenclatural updates.

Main Results:

• * Diatoms.org provides open access to a substantial collection of North American diatom taxonomy and ecology data.
• * The platform hosts over 1000 species pages with contributions from over 100 users, ranging from students to established scientists.
• * The project evolved from an electronic book to a collaborative hub for communication and data sharing.

Conclusions:

• * Diatoms.org successfully addresses the need for consistent diatom identification and provides a valuable data source.
• * The platform serves as a hub for training and continuity, supporting a new generation of diatom taxonomists.
• * Community-driven content curation is effective in overcoming challenges in taxonomic research and public engagement.