HoloDiv: Exploring the adaptive potential of a species that structures Mediterranean ecosystems

Led by Didier Aurelle, Senior Lecturer at AMU's Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie, this project focuses on knowledge of the ecological state of ecosystems is essential for the preservation and management of biodiversity, particularly within marine protected areas (MPAs).
While the classic study of species richness and abundance enables us to assess the current state of an ecosystem, genomic tools now provide access to information on the evolution and response of target species to environmental constraints. The project explores the adaptive potential of a key species in Mediterranean benthic ecosystems, the gorgonian Eunicella cavolini, through an integrated study of its genetic and microbial diversity (hologenome). The project team is studying populations in the eastern and western (northern and southern) basins of the Mediterranean, subjected to local anthropic pressures (pollution, fishing) or preserved (MPAs), to gain a better understanding of their evolution.
The HoloDiv project is a winner of the "Méditerranée 20218" call for projects, funded by the A*Midex
Foundation.
Laboratory:
- Mediterranean Institute of Oceanology AMU
- OSU Pythéas, CNRS
- Institut Méditerranée Infection, Marseille
- Ifremer - Mediterranean Center
- Istanbul University
- University of Annaba
- Calanques National Park
Speakers:
- Didier Aurelle, Senior Lecturer at AMU's Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie
- Dorian Guillemain, Responsable service plongée OSU Pythéas, CNRS
- Marc Bailly, Research Fellow at AMU's Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie
Collection: Experiencing the future
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The audiovisual collection of the A*Midex university foundation "Experimenting with the future" aims to promote the research and training projects it supports.