Project outline
Aim
Aim
Coastal regions are widely recognised for their ecological and socio-economic importance. One of the major threats to worldwide coastal ecosystems is the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS). In Portugal, shipping has been reported to be the most likely vector for the introduction of NIS in coastal regions that can establish and become invasive, negatively impacting native biodiversity. If prevention fails, the early detection and surveillance of NIS is essential for coordinating a timely and effective response to invasions. The aim of this project is to develop, optimize and implement DNA-based tools, particularly high-throughput sequencing (HTS), for the early detection and monitoring of NIS in Portuguese coastal waters, during 3 years of research.
Coastal regions are widely recognised for their ecological and socio-economic importance. One of the major threats to worldwide coastal ecosystems is the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS). In Portugal, shipping has been reported to be the most likely vector for the introduction of NIS in coastal regions that can establish and become invasive, negatively impacting native biodiversity. If prevention fails, the early detection and surveillance of NIS is essential for coordinating a timely and effective response to invasions. The aim of this project is to develop, optimize and implement DNA-based tools, particularly high-throughput sequencing (HTS), for the early detection and monitoring of NIS in Portuguese coastal waters, during 3 years of research.
Tasks
Tasks
Task 1. Assembling and auditing a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library of marine NIS
Task 1. Assembling and auditing a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library of marine NIS
Task 2. Methodological refinement: optimization of sampling, DNA extraction and amplification protocols for assessing NIS through DNA-based tools
Task 2. Methodological refinement: optimization of sampling, DNA extraction and amplification protocols for assessing NIS through DNA-based tools
Task 3. Performance assessment: use of optimized DNA-based tools for NIS detection and monitoring in Portuguese recreational marinas
Task 3. Performance assessment: use of optimized DNA-based tools for NIS detection and monitoring in Portuguese recreational marinas
Task 4. Implementation design: devise a framework for implementation of DNA-based tools to develop an early warning system for detection of NIS
Task 4. Implementation design: devise a framework for implementation of DNA-based tools to develop an early warning system for detection of NIS
