MED-WISE: eDNA, DNA barcoding & AI sensing for cost-effective WFD monitoring in Mediterranean waters

Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ, Türkiye) is building a consortium for HORIZON-NATURE-2027-02-05 "Cost-effective biodiversity monitoring for EU policies", Area C: Water Framework Directive (RIA, lump sum, EUR 5-6 million, 36 months, deadline 14 January 2027).

CHALLENGE

WFD ecological status relies on biological quality elements (fish, macroinvertebrates, diatoms, phytoplankton, macrophytes/angiosperms, macroalgae). Classic monitoring is slow, costly and sparse, especially in Mediterranean lagoons and deltas. DNA reference libraries are incomplete, genomic data are not yet translated into classification indices, and new tools are rarely piloted together with competent authorities.

CONCEPT

MED-WISE will build, test and compare an integrated toolbox with competent authorities in four Mediterranean pilots:

• O1: DNA reference libraries completed for all seven WFD BQE groups, with new markers where standard barcodes fail.

• O2: Quantitative eDNA and genomic indicators (metabarcoding, qPCR/ddPCR) translated into ecological quality ratios.

• O3: AI-enabled, near-real-time sensing with low-cost underwater camera and sensor systems (mainly fish BQE).

• O4: Side-by-side comparison with classic WFD methods: accuracy, scalability, cost savings, simplification.

• O5: FAIR-by-design data (ENA/BOLD, GBIF, EMODnet, EOSC/eLTER) and links with EBOCC, BGE, EuropaBON, MAMBO and KCBD.

PILOT SITES

Ebro Delta and lower Ebro (ES), Amvrakikos Gulf lagoons (GR), an Italian coastal lagoon (IT, to be selected), Köyceğiz-Dalyan (TR).

CURRENT CONSORTIUM

10 partners from TR, IT, ES, GR, SE and CY: universities, a national environmental agency, an oceanographic research institute, AI/robotics and data SMEs, NGOs and policy/impact experts.

PARTNERS WE ARE SEEKING

• DNA barcoding / reference library institution (WP3 leader): proven leadership in barcode libraries (e.g. BGE/iBOL), sequencing capacity, curated collections.

• eDNA / genomic monitoring laboratory (WP4 leader): standardised aquatic eDNA protocols, qPCR/ddPCR, metabarcoding, bioinformatics, links to WFD indices.

• BQE taxonomy groups: diatoms, macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton, macrophytes/angiosperms, macroalgae; voucher material.

• WFD competent authorities / monitoring bodies in Spain, Greece and Italy (beneficiary or associated partner).

• Italian pilot site partner with long-term WFD lagoon data (preferably LTER-Italy).

• Ebro site research partner with field infrastructure and long-term data.

• Research infrastructure / EBOCC link (BGE, EuropaBON, MAMBO, LifeWatch, eLTER, EOSC).

TIMELINE

Expression of interest by 7 November 2026; online partner meeting mid-November; role, budget and PIC confirmation by 30 November 2026.

Contact: Mustafa BULUT, Project Manager, KTÜ - mrbulut@forensoft.com. Concept note available on request.