Biodiversity and conservation of marine species and habitats
Biodiversity and conservation of marine species and habitats
This research line brings together several research groups that focus their work on the study and conservation of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, from both a basic and applied perspective.
One of these groups focuses on the study of the taxonomy and phylogeny of marine invertebrates (heterobranch mollusks, polyclad flatworms, annelid “polychaetes,” and crustaceans) inhabiting diverse biogeographical regions. Their studies are channeled towards:
- Description of marine invertebrate fauna in scarcely studied areas (such as La Caleta beach in Cádiz).
- Revision of the taxonomic status of marine invertebrate species with wide geographical distribution using molecular techniques.
- Detection of species complexes and description of undescribed taxa using molecular techniques.
- Detection and monitoring of exotic invertebrate species through the application of molecular biology techniques, seeking to understand their region of origin.
- Contribution to the updating of the Spanish Marine Species Checklist (Lista Patrón de Especies Marinas), mainly in the South Atlantic demarcation.
- Plankton diversity patterns in different biogeographical regions.
- Morphology of planktonic larval stages of decapods and stomatopods.
The other group focuses its work on the conservation of coastal wetlands, with special attention to the interactions between human activities and biodiversity. A significant part of the research is carried out, due to proximity and relevance, in the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park, the Strait of Gibraltar, and nearby coastal systems. It is worth noting that, in this area, methodologies are developed for the environmental assessment of coastal systems through biological monitoring, especially in those affected by human activities. These studies have deepened the understanding of coastal wetlands (natural and artificial), and their results are applied to the conservation of biodiversity in protected natural areas and the reduction of human impacts. Among other aspects, this line includes:
- Conservation and management of biodiversity in coastal wetlands.
- Sustainable management and restoration of salt marshes and aquaculture compatible with biodiversity.
- Ecosystem services in coastal wetlands.
- Movement biology: migration, conservation, and global change in marine ecosystems.
- Involvement of birds in the dispersion of native and invasive species.
- Reproductive trophic biology and population dynamics of coastal and marine birds.
- Human impact on biodiversity in coastal systems.
- Environmental education and awareness related to coastal wetlands.
- Management and conservation of marine macrophytes and their habitats.
- Environmental assessment of marine ecosystems.