The Moorea Biocode Project, initiated in 2008, was an ambitious endeavor aimed at creating a comprehensive inventory of all non-microbial life in the tropical Pacific island of Moorea. Beyond the simple cataloging of species, the project sought to DNA barcode every species, providing a unique, digital identifier for each one. This article delves into the origins, processes, implications, and outcomes of this groundbreaking project. Why Moorea? Moorea, a small volcanic island near Tahiti in French Polynesia, is an ecologically diverse hotspot. The island is home to a myriad of terrestrial and marine species, from its verdant forests to the coral reefs that fringe its shores. Moorea’s relatively compact size and…