As the central feature of the Ocean Genome Legacy Foundation, the Ocean Genome Resource (OGR) will function to create:
1) A global community of researchers and research institutions voluntarily participating in a project to preserve, store and exchange genome resource materials from endangered marine species and environments. Genome resource materials are defined as materials from which genomic information can be obtained, including but not restricted to, genomic DNAs, RNAs, DNA libraries, DNA amplification products and preserved tissues. These materials have value as raw materials for research, as seeds for reconstitution of biological entities and functions, and as information sources and references for ecological and conservation studies.
2) A physical repository facility with infrastructure necessary to collect, prepare, preserve and store millions of biological specimens that will constitute the Ocean Genome Resource collection.
3) A database and information exchange that will provide documentation of all materials contained in the Ocean Genome Resource collection. Documentation will include species designations, names of collectors and identifying authorities, description of specimens, collection methods, localities and ecological context, as well as digital images, molecular typing data (e.g. molecular barcode sequences) and locations of physical reference specimens (voucher specimens).
4) A distribution system that can provide genome resource materials at cost to qualified researchers and research institutions. Genome resource materials will be provided under agreements that provide assurances of fair and ethical use and ensure compliance with applicable wildlife protection regulations, but that do not confer commercial or legal rights to the materials or their progeny or derivatives.
