Non-invasive detection methods for assessing biodiversity across coastal ecosystems are becoming more popular to use in environmental monitoring, especially in detecting alien species. Non-Indigenous Species (NIS), are a potential threat to the biodiversity when turning invasive. Invasive alien species (IAS) have been identified as one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss and species extinction. Proactive early detection of such species is therefore vital. The presented project will be based on the ARMS (Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures) program, a developed early-warning, passive monitoring system, which is located all over Europe and helps to collect biodiversity data through genetic and biological identification methods. The main aim of this thesis project is to identify new Non-Indigenous Species present around the Baltic Sea and track their migration via DNA metabarcoding. Spatial changes and invasive impacts of benthic species will be analysed, as well as their intraspecific diversity. Next to the ARMS, this thesis project also collaborates with EMO-BON (European Marine Omics Biodiversity Observation Network).
promotor/supervisor feedback
nothing yet
