New genetic web tool to help restore climate-resilient marine ecosystems

In the face of increased human pressures and climate change, a team of Australian scientists led by Dr Georgina Wood at Flinders University have launched a new online tool to assist marine managers and restoration experts to bolster the resilience of marine habitat-forming species. The ‘Reef Adapt’ initiative, developed by experts from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD), Flinders University and The University of Western Australia (UWA), aims to expand the tools available to promote diverse, adaptable and resilient ecosystems.

Described in a new article in Communications Biology, Reef Adapt harnesses genetic data from diverse marine species – including key reef-building corals and habitat-forming kelps, but with scope to expand to other taxa – to map out areas likely to harbour populations adapted to current and future environmental conditions. The innovative web platform is designed for the rapid inclusion of genetic, biophysical and environmental data into planning of marine restoration and assisted conservation initiatives.

The project follows similar projects on land, such as Australia’s NSW Restore and Renew program, to remove barriers of access to genetic data and improve restoration and assisted gene flow. The easy-to-use web platform hosts vital genetic information for government, not-for-profit and community organisations – removing barriers of access to vital information that the team hopes will improve both immediate and long-term restoration outcomes.

Source: Eurek Alert!