1- Provide the Portuguese scientific community and other prospective users with an up to date system for the identification of marine species. To create a reference taxonomic library of the Portuguese marine life, linking DNA barcodes with known species, archived as museum–voucher specimens. To participate in the worldwide development of a new universal species identification system.

2- Assist in the revision of the taxonomy of Portuguese marine life with the aid of molecular markers. To propose and test new species hypotheses using an integrative taxonomy approach. Detect and describe unknown species.

3- Use molecular markers to gain insight into the phylogeographic patterns of marine fauna occurring in Portuguese waters, in particular of fish and decapods, in order to provide scientific guidance to marine conservation and management.

4- Provide the Portuguese scientific community and institutions with advanced training for a new generation of specialized researchers with cutting edge skills in marine biodiversity science, spanning both conventional and molecular approaches.