Carlo Heip (18 November 1945 to 15 February 2013) was a leader of numerous European marine biology research projects and networks, as well as being one of the most highly cited scientists in his field. The European Register of Marine Species sought a new host institution after its first project was completed in 2000. Carlo recommended a newly established organisation in Belgium that may be suitable. Thus the Flanders Marine Institute became host of ERMS and enabled it to develop into WoRMS. This was significantly helped by EU funding as part of the Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (MarBEF) research network which Carlo headed.