SyMBiosIS is a searchable database for the marine organisms which can be found in Malaysia. The acronym SyMBiosIS stands for Systematic Marine Biodiversity Inventory System. Malaysia has been recognized as one of the 12 nations who are rich in their biodiversity. This database is a proof on what we have. As it is still in its development stage, information is constantly updated and it will be an ongoing process.

The information in this database is contributed by researchers who are members of the Technical Committee for Marine Biodiversity Inventory, Research Institutions, Universities, NGOs, obtained from recognized databases available online and also extracted from publications.

SyMBiosIS is the fruit from the noble idea of our former Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah bin Ahmad Badawi who wish to inventorise our marine biological resources in Malaysia. This is to better manage our marine resources and to avoid depletion of resources, unsustainable exploitation and development, and also extinction of species before being discovered. By having this database, we will be able to map out our resources, to identify potential sites for protection and to better understand the status of our marine resources.

This database is developed in-house by the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Ministry with technical inputs from the Department of Marine Park Malaysia.

Why SyMBiosIS is developed?

SyMBiosIS is developed to catalogue taxonomic and biological attributes of marine organisms found in Malaysia.
The information in the database was developed to better manage our marine biological resources in Malaysia. This is in-line with the mandate from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to the Department to inventorized all marine biodiversity in Malaysia after the 4th National Biotechnology and Biodiversity Council Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
It also caters for researchers especially in the field of marine biology, students, Malaysia’s marine biodiversity managers, the nation’s policy makers, the public in general and anyone who cares for our marine biodiversity and its sustainability.
This database will be use to disseminate information on our marine biodiversity and also a platform for marine biology researchers, zoologists, and researchers to share with us on the latest findings.
Information is searchable and can be easily accessed online. Besides information on species which can be found in Malaysia, visitors can also search for information on marine biology researchers, zoologists, and researchers who are actively involve in maritime research in Malaysia and also abstracts of papers and publications stored in this database.
It is also a tool to educate the public on the importance of marine conservation. It will also contribute to the production of educational materials. It is hope that with time the public will learn the treasures that Malaysia has, appreciate it and protect it from destruction. As the saying goes, to know is to love.

How can you be a SyMBiosIS contributor?

First of all, you need to be an active researcher especially in the field of marine biology or marine species taxonomy. To contribute, you need to register to the database. Login ID and password will be given once the administrator has verified the given biodata and CV. ID and passwords are allowed to be change. You will be able to access the edit mode of the database and is allowed to edit and add information of any species and to update your biodata and CV. All information edited or added needs to be supported by published information. Edited or added information will be verified by the database administrators with constant reference to the Technical Committee for Marine Biodiversity Inventory. This is to ensure the validity of data.