Abstract: The protection, preservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and their functions are
of global importance. For European states it became legally binding mainly through the EUWater
Framework Directive (WFD). In order to assess the ecological status of a given water
body, aquatic biodiversity data are obtained and compared to a reference water body. The
quantified mismatch obtained determines the extent of potential management actions. The
current approach to biodiversity assessment is based on morpho-taxonomy. This approach
has many drawbacks such as being time consuming, limited in temporal and spatial
resolution, and error-prone due to the varying individual taxonomic expertise of the
analysts. Novel genomic tools can overcome many of the aforementioned problems and
could complement or even replace traditional bioassessment. Yet, a plethora of
approaches are independently developed in different institutions, thereby hampering any
concerted routine application. The goal of this Action is to nucleate a group of researchers
across disciplines with the task to identify gold-standard genomic tools and novel ecogenomic
indices for routine application in biodiversity assessments of European fresh- and
marine water bodies. Furthermore, DNAqua-Net will provide a platform for training of the
next generation of European researchers preparing them for the new technologies. Jointly
with water managers, politicians, and other stakeholders, the group will develop a
conceptual framework for the standard application of eco-genomic tools as part of legally
binding assessments.
Otras publicaciones de la misma revista o congreso con autores/as de la Universidad de Cantabria
Fuente: Research Ideas and Outcomes, 2016, 2, e11321
Editorial: Pensoft Publishers
Año de publicación: 2016
Nº de páginas: 24
Tipo de publicación: Artículo de Revista
DOI: 10.3897/rio.2.e11321
ISSN: 2367-7163