centrebaleardebiodiversitat2024-2025
The goal of this project is to produce and publish a high-quality, chromosome-level reference genome for Naufraga balearica, a rare and endemic plant species native to Mallorca, first described by Constance and Cannon in 1967.
PI: Enrique Arboleda (UIB)
Source of funding: Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Catalan Biogenome Project.
2024-2025
The project focuses on producing high-quality reference genomes of four endemic species: Pimelia cribra (Mallorca and Menorca), P. elevata (Eivissa and Formentera), P. interjecta (Catalunya), and P. modesta (País Valencià). The study aims to explore the evolution of both coding and non-coding sequences, with a focus on satDNA and transposable elements, providing a unique model for studying genome organization in the absence of strong selective pressures.
IP: Joan Pons (IMEDEA-CSIC)
Source of funding: Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Catalan Biogenome Project.
2024-2025
The project aims to produce and publish high-quality, chromosome-level reference genomes for two important marine species: the gastropods Heliacus fallaciosus (Tiberi, 1872) and Pontohedyle milaschewitchii (Kowalevsky, 1901).
PI: Juan Moles Sánchez (UB) & Maria Capa (UIB)
Source of funding: Institut d’Estudis Catalans, Catalan Biogenome Project.
2024-2025
This project seeks to expand foundational knowledge by creating an updated catalogue of species documented in the Balearic Islands, alongside a comprehensive reference collection of identified specimens, complete with detailed characterizations and molecular markers. The research aims to address challenges such as cryptic species complexes, the discovery of non-native species, new regional records, and potentially species unknown to science. Additionally, analyzing the structure of annelid communities will provide valuable insights into the conservation status and environmental quality of the studied habitats. Ultimately, this work will help develop a monitoring framework to assess the ecological health of benthic ecosystems in the Balearic Islands.
PI: Enrique Arboleda (UIB)
Source of funding: Government of the Balearic Islands.
2024-2025
This project focuses on studying the genetic populations of three emblematic and protected marine invertebrate species in the western Mediterranean: the mollusk Dendropoma lebeche (a species with direct development, without a planktonic larval stage), the solitary infralittoral coral Balanophyllia europaea, and the anemone Calliactis parasitica (both of which have planktonic larvae, offering greater dispersal and connectivity potential between populations).
To achieve this, we will employ genotyping-by-sequencing techniques (ddRAD-seq) to analyze population structure and gene flow. The objectives of the project are threefold: (1) to assess the abundance and distribution of these species in the Balearic Sea; (2) to estimate population parameters such as effective size, genetic structure, connectivity, dispersal capacity, and demographic history for each species; and (3) to compare patterns of population distribution and structure between marine protected areas (MPAs) and unprotected locations.
By integrating genetic insights with ecological data, this study aims to deepen our understanding of these species’ population dynamics and inform conservation strategies in the Mediterranean.
IP: Marta Bassitta Sánchez (UIB)
Source of funding: Government of the Balearic Islands.
2024
This project, in collaboration with research groups specializing in ecology, hydrogeology, botany, and physics, aims to create high-resolution climate change maps for a wide range of multidisciplinary applications. The data produced will be publicly accessible and valuable for assessing impacts across key sectors such as renewable energy, urban climate, tourism, and agriculture—areas where the participating research teams bring significant expertise. In addition, the findings will play a critical role in shaping effective strategies to conserve biodiversity and safeguard vital ecosystem functions.
IP: Maria Capa (UIB)
Source of funding: Barcelona Supercomputing Service (Centro Nacional de Supercomputación / Red Española de Supercomutación)
2022-2024
REefVOLUTION is an interdisciplinary, holistic project that brings together marine ecologists, biochemists, geographers, botanists, and analytical chemists. Its mission is to restore and bioremediate coastal seabeds in the Balearic Islands impacted by the continuous discharge of treated and regenerated wastewater. The project combines two innovative approaches:
1) The use of artificial reefs built with cutting-edge Biorock technology, integrated with benthic, filter-feeding, or suspension-feeding organisms.
2) The development of advanced analytical screening methods using high-performance chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and measure unregulated emerging organic pollutants present in treated wastewater discharged through marine outfalls.
By addressing the harmful effects of organic chemical pollutants, REefVOLUTION seeks to revive native marine flora and fauna, restoring balance to degraded coastal ecosystems.
PI: Manuel Miró (UIB)
Source of funding: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación.
2022-2023
This project aims to develop a methodology for studying the genetics of selected protected marine invertebrate species in the Balearic Islands. By analyzing the connectivity between their populations, the study seeks to evaluate their vulnerability and resilience to environmental changes. Designed as a pilot project, it will assess the precision and reliability of the results within the marine protected areas of the Balearic Sea, laying the groundwork for a larger research effort in the future. The findings could play a critical role in shaping conservation strategies, species management plans, and the effective planning of protected natural areas.
PI: María Capa (UIB)
Source of funding: Govern de les Illes Balears.
2022-2023
The project aims to produce an exhaustive catalogue of eukaryotic species cited in the Balearic Islands based on partial databases, updated scientific literature and expert opinion. This catalogue of Balearic biodiversity is an indispensable tool for the understanding, management, management and conservation of the region’s natural resources, the ecological processes in which they participate and the ecosystem services that these organisms, and the ecosystems in which they are found, provide to society.
PI: Javier Gulías (UIB)
Source of funding: Govern de les Illes Balears.