Specimen Information Services (SIS)

Specimen Information Services (SIS) staff members manage and maintain a reference collection of preserved biological specimens and associated ecological databases. The specimens represent vouchers from biological assessment studies and serve as sources for research material and educational exhibits. The reference collection of fishes and invertebrates contains approximately 85,000 catalogued lots of about 5,700 species and 273,000 lots of larval fishes.

The information gained from the study of these specimens has resulted in more than 300 scientific publications that document Florida's diverse marine biota. The reference collections are recognized by the Association of Systematic Collections as a regional research resource. The Invertebrate Collection is recognized by the National Science Foundation as a regional repository for invertebrate voucher specimens, and FWRI is the designated repository for the state-federal NOAA-SEAMAP Ichthyoplankton Collection.

The reference collection is a permanent historical record of Florida's marine biodiversity with multiple applications. It is particularly relevant to ensuring quality control of taxonomic identifications made in research projects. SIS staff members are actively involved in the research of local, national, and foreign scientists to help them realize their mission of service to their communities. The Educational Collection is available to teachers to assist them in giving students a greater understanding of Florida's complex ecosystems.

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The reference collections comprise:

Specimen Information Services Staff

Sandra Farrington
Invertebrate Collection Manager
E-mail: Invertcoll@MyFWC.com

Kim Williams
SEAMAP Collection Manager
E-mail: SEAMAP@MyFWC.com

 

Ichthyology Collection Manager
E-mail: Fishcoll@MyFWC.com

Thomas L. Dix
Invertebrate Collection Staff