Objective Biological invasions constitute a major global threat to indigenous communities. Marine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable as organisms can spread rapidly and are harder to detect. The invasion of Red Sea species into the Mediterranean Sea is among the most extensively documented marine bioinvasion phenomena. The proximity of the Red Sea tropical environment and the Israeli Mediterraneanrocky shore, together with the opening of the Suez Canal, present a unique geographic advantage for studying marine bioinvasion along the coasts of Israel. Comparative studies of introduced organisms from ecological, physiological, and genetic aspects can be performed readily in their native and introduced ranges. The proposed project aims to I) develop an early detection monitoring system for sessile introduced species in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, II) develop models of the dispersal patterns of non-indigenous species based on field and experimental data investigating the salinity and temperature thresholds of introduced species, and III) enhance regional sharing of information by establishing a database of marine introduced species, and by contributing scientific data to open-access databases such as The World Register of Marine Species and the Open Biogeographic Information System. Voucher specimens for future molecular and morphological work will be made available to the public. Ascidians (Phylum: Chordata) form the focus of the project due to their increasing role in altering biodiversity in fouling communities around the world, and the global rapid spread of non-indigenous ascidians. The results of this project will provide essential information to develop strategies by which to manage biological invasions in coastal marine environments, and will produce a solid essential base from which to embark on future studies on marine bioinvasion in the region. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabasesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyinvasive species Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY Address Ramat aviv 69978 Tel aviv Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Lea Pais (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data
