FinBOL coordinates DNA barcoding efforts conducted in Finland, most notably the establishment of a barcode library for species found in the country. A comprehensive DNA barcode library enables the automatic and unambiguous identification of species using a standard, short fragments of genomic sequence. DNA barcodes also allow identification from a small sample from an individual, independent of life stage or gender. FinBOL creates a unique national resource for biological research, allowing DNA barcodes to be applied in many fields, for instance, in the monitoring of alien species, pest control, food control, and the surveillance of trafficking and importation of endangered species. After the completion of the project and further technological development, it will eventually be possible for anyone to use DNA barcodes to identify any Finnish species. The information produced by FinBOL will be stored in the BOLD database. The barcode data will be made public immediately for species identification, and other related data made available soon afterward.