SponBIODIV
Title: Marine sponge biodiversity from genes to ecosystems: delivering knowledge and tools for sustainable management and conservation
Funding Source: EU HEurope
Budget IMBBC: 94,000€
Start / End Date: 2024 - 2027
Web site URL: https://sponbiodiv.org/
Project Progress: 12%
Principal Investigator:
Project Members:
Research Directions:
Population genetics and phylogeography
Environmental genomics
Marine biodiversity
Description:
Marine sponges shape marine benthic ecosystems globally and they have been doing so for more than 600 million years. They serve as habitat and nursery to numerous other species and play key roles in nutrient recycling. However, their diversity patterns and habitat status are poorly documented. SponBIODIV aims to address this knowledge gap by building a comprehensive inventory of marine sponges in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The project will also develop new monitoring tools to assess the status of sponge populations and their habitats. This information will be used to advance effective conservation and restoration measures to protect marine sponges and their ecosystems.