Marine and groundwater biodiversity assessment by genomic tools for high-resolution aquatic biodiversity monitoring

Recent genomic and eDNA metabarcoding methods now enable rapid, high-resolution biodiversity assessments in aquatic systems. In this poster, we showcase two complementary workflows: 1. Subterranean Genomics & Transcriptomics Whole-genome sequencing and RNA-seq of groundwater fauna reveal evolutionary adaptations (e.g. organ loss, selection signatures) and detoxification pathways, shedding light on survival in dark, resource-poor habitats. 2. Water eDNA Metabarcoding Dual-marker (18S rRNA + COI) metabarcoding of water samples detects native, vulnerable, and non-indigenous species down to genus or species level. Combining both loci maximizes detection power and supports early warning of invaders while providing useful hints about the ecology of the area and the taxa composition. Together, these approaches offer a scalable framework for monitoring biodiversity, diagnosing environmental stressors, and guiding conservation in Mediterranean coastal and groundwater ecosystems.