Research on the Aquatic Environment Biodiversity and Conservation: New Technologies, Tools and Practices

Dear Colleagues,

Aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater, estuarine, and marine environments, harbor a rich diversity of species and provide critical ecological services, such as nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and supporting fisheries and livelihoods. These ecosystems, however, face increasing pressures from anthropogenic activities, including pollution, habitat degradation, overexploitation, and climate change, which threaten biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Maintaining aquatic biodiversity is therefore essential not only for ecological stability but also for sustaining human well-being. Scientific research in aquatic biodiversity has traditionally relied on field sampling, visual surveys, and laboratory analyses to assess species composition, abundance, and ecological interactions. While these approaches have provided invaluable insights, they often face limitations in spatial and temporal coverage, efficiency, and resolution, making it challenging to detect subtle changes or emerging threats in complex aquatic systems. Recent advances in technology offer new opportunities to overcome these limitations. Tools such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, remote sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles, acoustic monitoring, and artificial intelligence-based species identification have transformed biodiversity assessment. These innovations enable more accurate, rapid, and large-scale monitoring of aquatic organisms and habitats, providing data critical for informed conservation management. Research integrating these new technologies is particularly important in the context of global biodiversity loss and increasing human pressures on aquatic environments. By improving detection, monitoring, and analysis, these methods can help identify vulnerable species, track ecosystem changes, and design more effective conservation strategies. Furthermore, applying innovative tools contributes to more efficient resource management and policy-making, bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and practical conservation action. In this context, this Special Issue aims to explore and evaluate the application of new technologies, tools, and practices in aquatic biodiversity assessment and conservation, highlighting their potential to enhance ecosystem monitoring, inform management decisions, and contribute to the preservation of aquatic life in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent advances in the assessment, monitoring, and conservation of aquatic biodiversity, with a particular focus on innovative technologies, tools, and practices. It seeks to compile original research and reviews that demonstrate how modern approaches—such as environmental DNA (eDNA), remote sensing, acoustic monitoring, autonomous sampling platforms, and AI-based data analysis—can enhance our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and support effective conservation strategies. The Special Issue encourages studies that address both fundamental ecological questions and applied conservation challenges, promoting interdisciplinary approaches and technological innovation in aquatic research.

This Special Issue aligns closely with the journal’s scope by addressing biodiversity, ecosystem management, and conservation in aquatic environments, which are central themes of the journal. By emphasizing novel methodologies and technological advancements, the Issue contributes to the journal’s mission of publishing high-quality research that informs science-based conservation and management practices. It also supports the dissemination of knowledge that can guide policy, resource management, and sustainable practices, bridging the gap between research and real-world application in aquatic ecosystems.

Suggested Themes:

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding for species detection;
• Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and drones for ecosystem monitoring;
• Acoustic monitoring of fish, invertebrates, and plankton;
• Satellite and aerial imaging for habitat mapping;
• GIS-based habitat modeling and biodiversity assessments;
• Detection of environmental stressors using remote sensing;
• AI and machine learning for species identification and behavior analysis;
• Automated image and video analysis for biodiversity monitoring;
• Integration of large datasets for ecological modeling;
• Application of technological innovations in protected area management;
• Early warning systems for invasive species or ecosystem disturbances;
• Decision-support systems for sustainable resource management;
• Linking biodiversity patterns to ecosystem functioning;
• Assessing ecosystem responses to environmental change using new tools;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation interventions;
• Incorporating public participation in aquatic biodiversity monitoring;
• Mobile apps and low-cost technologies for community-based data collection;
• Education and awareness through technological platforms;
• Combining molecular, ecological, and technological methods for holistic assessments;
• Case studies demonstrating interdisciplinary applications in aquatic conservation. 

I look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Prof. Dr. Erhan Mutlu
Dr. Ilaria De Meo
Guest Editors

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