Gap analysis of DNA barcoding in ERMS reference libraries for ascidians and cnidarians

Abstract Background All-inclusive DNA-barcoding libraries in the storage and analysis platform of BOLD (Barcode Life Data) system are essential for study marine biodiversity pertinent regulatory purposes, including ecosystem monitoring assessment, such as context EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) Marine Strategy (MSFD). Here, we investigate knowledge gaps lists DNA barcoded organisms within two inventories, Cnidaria (Anthozoa Hydrozoa) Ascidiacea from reference European Register Species (ERMS) dataset (402 ascidians 1200 cnidarian species). ERMS records were checked species by species, against publicly available sequence information other data stored system. As COI barcode adequately cover just a small fraction library, it is importance to employ quality control on existing data, close purge errors off BOLD. Results revealed that 22.9% 29.2% listed cnidarians respectively, barcodes which 58.4% 52.3% seemingly noted have complete pages. Thus, only 11.44% tunicate 17.07% high quality. Deep analyses seven common types list addition wide range discrepancies misidentifications, discordances, primarily GenBank mined with BINs assignments, among others. Conclusions Gap barcoding important taxonomic groups exists, addition, management elements (quality assurance control) not employed when using national projects, compliance purposes purposes. Even though most trustable worldwide projects needed these mistakes, verifications, missing unreliable sequencing labs. Tight Barcoding recommended library.