CIIMAR’s Oceanus Seminar with Ana Sofia Lavrador | Boca da Baleia
The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), mainly through shipping, threatens the integrity of coastal ecosystems, highlighting the need for improved detection strategies. DNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool to strengthen monitoring of marine invertebrate NIS in marinas and ports. Here I will provide an overview of how developing curated DNA barcode reference libraries, evaluating multiple sampling methods, and assessing spatial and temporal patterns, allowed significant improvements in NIS detection in national recreational marinas, and helped uncover previously undetected species. Integrating these molecular approaches into national biomonitoring programs, together with traditional morphological assessments, will support proactive management and safeguard Portugal’s marine biodiversity against biological invasions.
Ana Sofia Lavrador holds a PhD in Molecular and Environmental Biology from the University of Minho. Her research focused on optimizing and implementing DNA metabarcoding methodologies for the early detection and monitoring of marine non-indigenous species in Portuguese coastal ecosystems. She is currently working at the Coastal Biodiversity Laboratory at CIIMAR, gathering monitoring and management requirements for Marine Protected Areas. She has a strong interest in the conservation and preservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
In case of any questions, please contact CIIMAR’s Seminar team, Marta Monteiro, Miguel Semedo, & Paulo Oliveira, at seminars@ciimar.up.pt
External members of CIIMAR should send an email to slopes@ciimar.up.pt, requesting authorization to enter the Porto Cruise Terminal area
CIIMAR members can also access last seminars recordings through the LINK.
