Department Fish Ecology and Evolution

Conservation genomics of freshwater biodiversity

Freshwater biodiversity is threatened by physical alterations of aquatic habitats for anthropogenic use, pollution, and exploitation of fish stocks. Conservation genomics is an innovative approach allowing to:

i) monitor biodiversity and genetic diversity at an unprecedented resolution;
ii) identify highly endangered populations, and
iii) protect and possibly rescue endangered populations.

However, established methods and programs are currently lacking but are essential to implement adequate monitoring and conservation strategies. We will establish two case studies using a vertebrate and an invertebrate model: the European grayling Thymallus thymallus and the freshwater mussel Anodonta anatina. We will develop a conservation genomics framework that goes beyond monitoring and aims to link genomic diversity with physical water parameters, anthropogenic landscape use, and restoration efforts.

This project will establish the feasibility and principles of genomic monitoring for Swiss aquatic habitats, and provide solutions for an innovative development of biodiversity monitoring and conservation.

Research team

Dr. Ellika Faust Postdoctoral researcher Tel. +41 58 765 2295 Send Mail
Julie Conrads Tel. +41 58 765 5312 Send Mail

Collaboration