WGIMT active Terms of Reference (ToRs)

 

WGIMT Chairs:

Elaine Fileman - Plymouth Marine Laboratory (United Kingdom)

Jasmin Renz - German Centre for Marine Biodiversity Research (Germany)

 

WGIMT ToRS (2020-2022):

ToR A:   Evaluate the potential of molecular and morphological approaches for understanding zooplankton communities Molecular methods are widely used for rapid assessment of species diversity, and can contribute to improving our understanding of the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic effects on marine ecosystems. Standardized protocols for assessment of pelagic biodiversity are needed to fulfil requirements defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). There is a need for intercomparison of results to understand the impact of protocol choice. A range of molecular approaches, e.g., barcoding and metabarcoding, environmental DNA (eDNA), or proteomic approaches can be adopted to help to address some of the key applications of integrative taxomony.
ToR B:   Continue development and enhancement of the WGIMT Online Resource Portal Locating and accessing morphological and molecular taxonomic information can be difficult: classical taxonomic references are often out-of-print or in a non-digital format; many molecular data are not released prior to publication; and a broad variety of methodologies and approaches exist, possibly overwhelming potential new comers to the field. The WGIMT Resource Portal will provide informational overviews and links to relevant literature and web pages, with a special focus on the use of molecular technologies (and morphological verification) for the integrative taxonomy of zooplankton.
ToR C:   Initiate and support provision of standards, training materials, and taxonomy workshops Lab exchanges and workshops, including ICES Taxonomy Workshops, are very effective in engaging target audiences and ensuring trained technicians and researchers for applications in fisheries and ecosystem management. Co-sponsored workshops and meetings with other SCICOM EGs will increase impact and likelihood of adoption for advisory applications.
ToR D:   Continue to demonstrate leadership in promoting and encouraging use of integrative taxonomic approaches for assessment of pelagic biodiversity Integrative taxonomy is a developing field; uses and applications for fisheries and ecosystem management should be explained in high-visibility settings in ICES and other organisations through special sessions. It is important to maintain a strong foundation and visibility in primary research literature in order to validate metagenetic approaches for analysis of zooplankton diversity. Publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals will demonstrate validity of data, protocols, and results, and allow dissemination and new applications in ecosystem management.