Scientists from the Center for Marine Research, RBI, participated from 17 to 20 March 2025 at the international scientific conference AquaEcOmics 2025, which was held in Evian-les-Bains, France. This important international gathering brought together more than 200 participants from over 25 countries – scientists, researchers and water-resources management experts – with the aim of exchanging knowledge and experiences on the application of “-omics” technologies in the research and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.

The main topic of the conference was the integration of advanced molecular methods, including metabarcoding, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics and other “multi-omics” approaches in the study of biodiversity, functioning and state of freshwater and marine systems. Special emphasis was placed on the potential of “-omics” technologies in understanding biodiversity, especially in difficult-to-access or ecologically sensitive areas. Examples of successful integration of environmental DNA (eDNA) data into water quality monitoring systems, biological assessments and conservation of endangered species were presented. During the three-day program, the latest scientific discoveries, innovative methodologies and concrete examples of application in environmental management and nature conservation were presented. Also, the need for the development of advanced bioinformatics tools and open and standardized databases that would enable a wider and more efficient application of these technologies in scientific and management processes was highlighted.

Scientists from the Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology actively participated in the conference program by presenting the results of their latest research. Oral presentations were held on the topics of "-Omics in the service of characterization of the eukaryotic planktonic community of the Adriatic Sea" and "Phytoplankton network or Niskin water sampler: the most appropriate sampling method for monitoring phytoplankton of the northern Adriatic". Their contribution further highlighted the importance of Croatian research in the global context of the application of "-omics" technologies in the protection and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.