PIRATES

Pseudodiaptomus marinus is a calanoid copepod native to the Inland Sea of Japan. Since 2007, this non-indigenous species has been increasingly reported in numerous European basins (Atlantic coasts, Southern North Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea), with a geographical expansion that is still in progress. In Italian waters, P. marinus has been recorded in the Tyrrhenian Sea (e.g., Gulf of Naples, Lake Faro) and in the Adriatic Sea (e.g., Gulf of Trieste, Gulf of Venice). Species-specific physiological, behavioural and genetic traits (e.g., euryhalinity, eurythermicity, behavioural plasticity, occurrence of different morphs) confer on P. marinus the ability to settle down in sites characterised by different biotic and abiotic conditions. As a consequence of its wide adaptability, P.marinus is considered a species of potential concern, and has been included in early warning lists of non-indigenous species in different Countries. At the same time, however, P. marinus has often been indicated as a species suitable as live feed for aquaculture applications, being particularly feasible to be reared in massive setups, and as model organism in ecotoxicology studies. These characteristics thus render P. marinus a species of great interest for both baseline and applied research.

PIRATES (Pseudodiaptomus marinus bIo-ecological tRAits through mulTidisciplinary approachES) aims to foster the comprehension of the bio-ecological traits allowing P. marinus to adapt to and colonise diverse environments. This overarching goal will be achieved through the integration of a multidisciplinary approach by which investigating different but complimentary aspects of the biology,ecology and behaviour of this target species, with an across-scale investigation spanning from the gene to the population levels and viceversa.

In detail, PIRATES will integrate:

1. microscale observations of the 3D swimming behaviour of P. marinus under definite stressors;
2. genetic diversity of specimens from different sampling sites;
3. in situ investigations on its seasonality;
4. its nycthemeral vertical distribution.

Each line of investigation will shed light on target traits, while their merging will define the broader ecological role and potential of this species. On a broader perspective, the framework emerging around P. marinus will yield new insight into the mechanisms potentially adoptable by other non-indigenous species, boosting the cognizance of invasion ecology in aquatic ecosystems.