Non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Arctic have an increased likelihood of arrival from ship traffic in the region, while the survival potential of the species becomes more likely in a warming environment. Monitoring is essential to detect the rate and magnitude of the establishment of NIS. In this study, a list of 123 potential marine NIS for Svalbard was drafted and the presence of marine NIS in soft sediment of Kongsfjorden in Svalbard was assessed using molecular metabarcoding techniques. For 37 species, including eight potential Arctic NIS, we generated new 18S and/or COI barcode sequences to improve the available online reference databases. In total, 299 species were identified in the sediment samples, including seven potential NIS. Three of these potential NIS have not been reported before in Svalbard: the harpacticoid copepod Euterpina acutifrons, and the ascidians Botrylloides violaceus and Molgula manhattensis. Another novel observation for Svalbard was the polychaete Chone mollis. Additional studies are needed to assess whether the NIS have been established on Svalbard and what their potential impact on the local system may be. Metabarcoding proved to be an effective monitoring tool to detect the presence of new species in Svalbard marine waters. We advise its use to set up a baseline record for the presence of NIS at points of entry, especially harbours. This approach is also valuable for biodiversity monitoring, in particular the detection of small organisms and life stages that are hard to identify using current visual techniques.
Developments in benthos and fish in gullies in an area closed for human use in the Wadden Sea This WOt-technical report was produced in accordance with the Quality Management System of the Statutory Research Tasks Unit for Nature & the Environment, part of Wageningen University & Research. The mission of the Statutory Research Tasks Unit for Nature and the Environment (WOT Natuur & Milieu) is to carry out statutory research tasks on issues relating to nature and the environment. These tasks are implemented in order to support the Dutch Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, who is responsible for these issues. We provide data about agri-environment, biodiversity and soil information to compile reports as part of national and international obligations, and we work on products of the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, such as the Assessment of the Human Environment reports. Disclaimer WOt-publicaties The 'WOt-technical reports' series presents the findings of research projects implemented for the Statutory Research Tasks Unit for Nature & the Environment by various centres of expertise. WOt-technical report 129 presents the findings of a research project commissioned and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV). The project was carried out by Wageningen Marine Research (WMR). Wageningen Marine Research utilises an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. This certificate is valid until 15 December 2021. The organisation has been certified since 27 February 2001. The certification was issued by DNV GL. Developments in benthos and fish in gullies in an area closed for human use in the Wadden Sea
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