Disentangling eukaryotic biodiversity patterns from man‐made environments (port and marina) and nearby coral reefs in the Red Sea: A focus on the surveillance of non‐indigenous species

A study in the central Red Sea reveals that man-made environments, such as ports and marinas, serve as significant gateways for marine non-indigenous species (mNIS), with Jeddah port hosting 28 mNIS, including 16 newly reported in the region. Using DNA metabarcoding, researchers analyzed spatio-temporal trends of biological pioneer communities across a port, marina, and coral reefs over one-week colonization periods, employing two matrices: PVC panels and water samples. The findings indicate that coral reef communities exhibit greater similarity to each other than to those in artificial habitats, underscoring the distinct biodiversity patterns between natural and man-made environments. This research establishes a standardized baseline for monitoring introduced species, particularly in data-poor regions like the Red Sea, a critical shipping corridor. It also highlights the potential for early detection of non-indigenous species, providing foundational data for biosecurity programs.

Aylagas, E., Shchepanik, H., Pearman, J. K., Parisi, B., Curdia, J., Berumen, M. L., & Carvalho, S. (2024). Disentangling eukaryotic biodiversity patterns from man‐made environments (port and marina) and nearby coral reefs in the Red Sea: A focus on the surveillance of non‐indigenous species. Environmental DNA, 6(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.583