Regulations on Destructive Sampling Management of the MBMCAS

The primary objective of the Marine Biological Museum, Chinese Academy of Sciences (MBMCAS) is to safeguard and preserve our collections for taxonomic research both present and future. Researchers should prioritize alternative methods or sources for obtaining materials. Destructive sampling from museum collections may only be considered under when materials cannot be obtained through other means.

1. Prerequisites for Application

Before applying to MBMCAS, applicants must exhaust all other resources. Attempts must first be made to obtain the required material from:

· Local national museum or herbaria in or near the applicant's own country.

· Museum or herbaria known to hold large collections from the specific regions concerned.

· Field collections in the countries where the species grow.

MBMCAS will only consider requests after the applicant has demonstrated that every effort to obtain material elsewhere has failed.

2. General Restrictions

2.1 Sampling from type specimens is strictly prohibited.

2.2 Sampling is generally prohibited for taxa/species represented by fewer than three specimens in the collection. Exceptions require evaluation by at least three experts and the Director, with sampling conducted under supervision.

2.3 Small portions of specimen could be sent for DNA extraction. However, not all specimens are suitable for extraction, and we reserve the right to refuse requests based on specimen condition.

3. Application Process

Sampling request must be approved in writing by MBMCAS. Applications must include the following information for review by our Scientific Committee:

· Department, affiliation, and contact information of the borrower and the responsible project leader.

· Museum accession number and full taxonomic details of the requested specimen.

· Research methodology, scientific importance, and intended publications.

· A detailed explanation of why destructive sampling is necessary and why alternative materials are unsuitable.

· Detailed sampling method, estimated quantity required, rationale for selecting specific parts, and evidence that the method minimizes damage.

4. Sampling and usage Principles

4.1 Sampling portion from specimens are usually prepared by our curators following the recipients’ requirement, which must not compromise the scientific value of the specimen. We recommend researchers come to MBMCAS to collaborate with our curators in sampling.

4.2 A new label must be attached to the post-sampled specimen, indicating the sampling location, date, and the name of the sampler.

4.3 Samples may only be used for the specified scientific research. Commercialization of samples, or any parts or derivatives thereof, is strictly prohibited.

4.4 Genetic materials or derived resources may not be transferred to third parties without prior written consent from MBMCAS.

4.5 Before material is supplied, recipients must sign a Material transfer Agreement confirming adherence to intellectual property and usage rules.

4.6 All sample loans must strictly comply with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol, ensuring terms align with the original acquisition conditions of materials while conforming to China’s relevant national laws and regulations. Specifically for genetic resources, compliance with the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) principle and Benefit-Sharing obligations with the country of origin is mandatory.

5. Post-Sampling Obligations

5.1 Unused samples must be returned to the Museum unless otherwise agreed.

5.2 Photos of samples (pre- and post-sampling), sequencing data, and other relevant records must be sent back to MBMCAS.

5.3 Where anatomical preparations are made, duplicate slides (or high-quality photographs in the case of SEM/TEM work) must be sent back to MBMCAS.

5.4 Reprints of any publications resulting from the study of MBMCAS material must be sent to the MBMCAS.