PROJECTS
We are currently working in several projects assessing the biodiversity and genetic connectivity of different species of marine invertebrates
Latest Projects
DEEPCON project: Integrating genetic connectivity and adaptation in deep-sea Atlanto-Mediterranean benthic invertebrates for conservation purposes
Sponge grounds and their associated fauna play a fundamental role in Atlanto-Mediterrean deep-sea habitats, yet little is known about their basic ecology and resilience. In this project, using cutting-edge molecular techniques, we will evaluate sponge ground resilience by assessing the molecular connectivity and adaptation patterns of keystone species of marine benthic invertebrates with different vital strategies (including sponges, annelids and echinoderms). Our results will provide fundamental knowledge to monitor and conserve these important ocean ecosystems in the current climate change scenario.
Grant PID2020-117115GA-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033
SponGES project: phylogeography and population genetics of deep-water sponges from the North Atlantic
We are establishing the gene flow and connectivity patterns of deep-water sponges forming sponge grounds in the North Atlantic. Our target species include species from the genus Phakellia, Geodia and Stryphnus. To achieve that we are using Next-Generation Sequencing techniques such as ddRAD-seq
Phylogeography and population genetics of the Antarctic nemerteans Antarctonemertes valida and A. riesgoae and the sponge Dendrilla antarctica
We are currently studying the distribution of populations of these shallow-water invertebrates and their gene connectivity along the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula using Next-Generation Sequencing techniques such as ddRAD-seq
MIDAS project: Managing Impacts of Deep-seA reSource exploitation
We are investigating the biodiversity and molecular connectivity patterns of deep-sea marine invertebrates from the abyssal Clarion-Clipperton Fracture zone (Pacific Ocean). This region has abundant seafloor polymetallic nodules with potential mining interest
GorGene: Connectivity and genetic structure of the deep populations of the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata located at the mouth of the submarine canyons of the Catalan Coast
We are currently involved in a project evaluating the biological parameters and gene flow between populations of the emblematic red gorgonian in the mouths of several canyons of the Western Mediterranean
Successional events in the fauna associated to mammal bones deployed in the Mediterranean: the case of Ophryotrocha and other polychaetes including the bone-eating worms (Osedax)
We are deepening into the successional events produced when mammal bones are deployed at different depths of the sublittoral rocky coasts of the Mediterranean and the Southern Ocean from the ecological and molecular point of view
If you are interested, contact me