Linda Laikre and Kerstin Johannesson on genetic monitoring

What does the ocean mean to you?
– The ocean is home for biodiversity that is crucial for the Earth. This biodiversity includes animals, plants and microorganisms that interact in complex ecosystems of which we still have much to learn. The basis for all this diversity is genetic variation – DNA-level diversity that is the key to long term survival and adaptation for all organisms

What human-caused effects or changes have you seen in the ocean over the years?
– The large-scale exploitation of fish populations that causes collaps after collaps. Fisheries are often not sustainable and mostly neglects genetic diversity. We need to have knowledge on the population structure of all species we harvest from the ocean and via genetic monitoring assure that our fisheries do not harm the adaptive capacity of populations

The MEMFIS conference is about marine environmental monitoring – why/how/what is that important from your point of view?
– Monitoring is a necessary tool to assure that agreed policy is implemented. For instance, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a new Global Biodiversity Framework in Montreal in December 2022. In this framework monitoring is key and new biodiversity indicators are introduced. Genetic diversity is high on the agenda because of increasing understanding that DNA-variation is key to the adaptive capacity of populations.

How does you/your work contribute to more effective environmental monitoring in the sea? What will you talk about at the conference?
– We provide knowledge and guidance on how genetic diversity can be monitored in aquatic species. Sweden and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management are at the international forefront in this context.

With the future in focus – how can we give back to nature by sharing and caring?
– By making sure that we are following international and national policy to protect, conserve and sustainably use ocean resources. Best scientific knowledge must be put to use.