We have experimented eDNA as a new technique for species and ecosystems monitoring. As part of the French Coral Reef Initiative (IFRECOR), fish communities have been monitored since 2001 in Martinique (oldest station: Pointe Borgnesse at Le Marin).
About 128 species have been observed, counted and size-estimated on coral reefs stations, and 58 species on seagrass beds so far. However, with a limited time underwater, and a relatively small sampled area, there are many fish species that we do not see, or miss, like cryptic, rare or migrating species. With new techniques like environmental DNA, we can “see” those species, have a better snapshot of the fish community, and understand better the link with coastal changes.
Check out our video of the first mission in Martinique where the team sampled environmental DNA on coral reefs and seagrass beds, and stay tuned for the upcoming results !

La Ville de Nice a participé au meeting MaCoBioS sur la défense des écosystèmes côtiers marins
On 17 and 18 May, Nice took part in the annual meeting of MaCoBioS, a European programme for the protection of marine coastal ecosystems, organised

Working with practitioners to better understand marine and coastal Nature-based Solutions
People have long benefitted from marine and coastal ecosystems. But despite this many marine and coastal ecosystems are degrading or disappearing from many places around

Developing a deeper understanding of public awareness of climate change, human impacts and the value and management of marine and coastal ecosystems
Marine and coastal ecosystems are important for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, providing food and support livelihoods and ways of life. But they increasingly

Identifying opportunities for future monitoring, research and management of Bonaire’s National Marine Park
The MaCoBioS team was excited to be in Bonaire last week to run a workshop on “Science-driven management in the Bonaire National Marine Park: Actions,