New report published on genetic monitoring of alien species in ports

[2018-08-30] In August Seanalytics published the results of a field study testing the potential of DNA-based methods for the early detection and surveillance of alien species, especially in the vicinity of international ports.

The report was commissioned by the Swedish Agency for Marine & Water Management (SwAM) with the purpose to obtain a methodological comparison between conventional and DNA-based identification methods for alien species in different coastal habitats. The study shows clear benefits of genetic methods over traditional monitoring, as genetic analysis could identify more alien species and also detected these at an earlier stage. The results will be further used to design monitoring programs for invasive alien species as well as Early Warning Systems for ports.

The report is available [here]