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Elena Baños Lara

Elena Baños Lara

What long-term impacts do marine biological invasions have? How quickly can ecosystems recover or stabilize after an invasion? Are there recurring biological invasions? What causes populations of invasive species to increase or decrease?

To answer these questions, I will carry out pioneering research that studies the temporal and spatial dynamics of marine invasive species in different European locations, using techniques to detect environmental DNA and using massive sequencing techniques (metabarcoding and metagenomics). To develop this research, samples of sedimentary sequences from marine coastal areas will be obtained, as well as samples of surrounding seawater.

In order to know the age of the sediments and to be able to reconstruct the temporal dynamics, the sedimentary sequences will be dated. This chronology will make it possible to date the introductions and identify environmental and ecological changes over time.

PROJECTS

This project is being developed within the framework of an i-COOP grant, a CSIC Scientific Cooperation Program for Development, which aims to stimulate collaboration between CSIC research groups and international research groups in countries receiving Official Development Assistance through training, work, and specialization stays for research groups from participating entities.
By analyzing the different stages of an invasion (from introduction to expansion), the researchers seek to identify the factors that influence the success of invasive species in various aquatic environments.
Monitoring of marine biodiversity using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, early detection of exotic species with invasive potential, and other genomic applications that can be used for marine biodiversity conservation.
TEMPOINVASIONS will use the most advanced molecular tools to analyze sedimentary sequences from well-preserved sites along the Spanish coast (Bay of Cádiz, Cabo de Gata, Ebro Delta). We will focus on the last six centuries since the major translocation of marine species began due to the beginning of transoceanic exploration.