COST Action CA15219 ('DNAqua-Net')

Developing new genetic tools for bioassessment of aquatic ecosystems in Europe

Agenda 5th Management Committee Meeting (MC4)

Limassol, Cyprus 30th of September 2019

Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), Tassos Papadopoulos Building

Morning Session from 8:30 to 13:00 Registration 8:00-8:25 am 1. Welcome to participants (20 min, Florian Leese (FL) / Marlen Vasquez/ Head of the School or Department) 2. Verification of the presence of two-thirds of the Participating COST Countries (quorum) (1 min, Sarah Kückmann (SK)) 3. Adoption of the agenda / Approval of minutes and matters arising of last meeting (2 min, FL) 4. Tour de Table – introduction of NEW DNAqua-Net members (10 min) 5. Review GP3 / fiscal overview (FL/SK, 12 min) 6. Status Quo Grant Period 4 (15 min)

Overview of participation in DNAqua-Net (3 min, FL) Implementation of COST policies on: a) Promotion of gender balance and Early Career Investigators (ECI) b) Inclusiveness and Excellence

Concept and aims for GP4 (5 min, FL) Report on finances by Grant Holder Manager (7 min, SK) 7. Reports and reconsideration of committees (20 min)

Report on STSMs (10 min, Belma Kalamujić Stroil) Report of Dissemination Committee (5 min, Ana Rotter) Report of ITC conference grant committee (5 min, Marlen Vasquez)

8. Reports of Working Groups (50 min) Report of WG1 (10 min, Torbjørn Ekrem, Fédor Čiampor) Report of WG2 (10 min, Jan Pawlowski, Maria Kahlert) Report of WG3 (10 min, Kat Bruce, Emre Keskin) Report of WG4 (10 min, Diego Fontaneto, Alain Franc) Report of WG5 (10 min, Patricia Mergen, Daniel Hering)

Coffee break, 30 min, 10:30 – 11:00

9. Report of results from the Progress Report at 24 months (8 min, FL) 10. Presentation and discussion of ideas for GP5 (i.e. 01.05.2020 - 31.10.2020) (25 min)

Concept of GP5 (most budget for final conference and dissemination; further suggestions please let us know before the meeting via Email) WG-specific / cross WG plans and discussion for budget allocation Review of open deliverables and implementation plan

11. Ongoing activities and the future of DNAqua-Net (57 min) CEN / ECOSTAT involvements (20 min, FL, Martyn Kelly, Kristian Meissner) News on Joint Danube Survey 2019 (AW, 15 min) MC6 planning (7 min, to take place 15th -17th September 2020, vote for location) Thoughts and activities going beyond the life span of the COST Action; sustaining the network initiative (15 min)

Lunch Break, 90 min, 12:30-14:00

Afternoon session from 14:00 to 18:00 12. Plenary talk by Xiaowei Zhang (Nanjing University) (30 min plus 20 min discussion) “eDNA-based biomonitoring in China, status quo and way forward” (title tbc) 13. Plenary talk by Donald Baird (Univ. New Brunswick) (30 min plus 20 min discussion) “Implementation of DNA-based tools for biomonitoring Canada’s fresh waters” (title tbc)

Coffee break, 30 min, 15:40-16:10

14. Plenary talk by Susanna Theroux (Southern California Coastal Water Research Project) (30 min plus 20 min discussion) “Standardisation of DNA-based tools” (title tbc) 15. Plenary talk by Peter Gilchrist (Jacobs) (30 min plus 20 min discussion) “Promises and pitfalls of new DNA-based tools – an industrial stakeholder perspective” (title tbc) 16. Signature / reimbursement check (5 min) 17. Any Other Business (5 min) 18. Closing of MC5

Following you can find the preliminary Agendas of every Working Group.

Please check your email invitation if you are invited and eligible for reimbursement or not.

Working Group 1: DNA Barcode References

Workshop: Filling the gaps of the reference library for aquatic species This workshop aims to fill important gaps in the barcode reference library of aquatic macroinvertebrates currently used in biomonitoring throughout Europe. The selection of taxa will be based on the results presented in the recently published gap-analyses of aquatic species (Weigand et al. 2019). Workshop participants are asked to bring their own specimens for imaging, tissue sampling and submission to a sequencing facility. Molecular lab work will not be done at the workshop, but it is possible to bring own sequence data if available. Metadata, images and sequences will be submitted to the Barcode of Life Data Systems with the goal of filling gaps in the reference library. Training on the various functions of BOLD will be given, and a barcode release paper with workshop participants as authors is planned. Place: Bratislava, Slovakia. Time: February 2020.

Joint Workshop Working Group 2: Biotic Indices and Metrics Working Group 3: Field and Lab Protocols Diatom workshop Theme: standard on sample preservation for diatom metabarcoding for biomonitoring (WG2/3) Aim 1: Present results of a comparison of preservation methods and duration for biofilm samples, Aim 2: Prepare the first draft of a CEN standard based on these first results, Aim 3: Plan a “preservation” ring-test through different EU labs to support the standardisation. 1st & 2nd October 2019 Leader: Agnes Bouchez The aim of this meeting is to begin to draft a standard on sample preservation for diatom metabarcoding, in the context of biomonitoring. This will build on an experiment comparing different preservation methods and duration, which has recently carried out by a DNAqua-Net consortium of "diatom" experts. The results of this experiment will be presented at the workshop and will serve as a basis for (1) designing a ring-test among different European laboratories, and (2) start working on the first draft of a CEN standard (probably an update of CEN/TR 17245), which will also be informed by the results of the planned ring test. Schedule: 1/10 :

• 9.00-11.00: presentation & discussion of results of the DNAqua-Net experiment comparing different preservation methods and duration (prepared during an STSM from Croatia to France, done in France+Croatia with samples from 6 EU sites (2 marine, 2 freshwater), data analysis (metabarcoding) currently done in Croatia with the support of an STSM from France to Croatia)

• 11.00-12.00: discussing about information to be included in the CEN standard based on these first results

• 13.30-16.30: planning of ring-test: how can it practically be done? What and whom to include, and how to be funded?

2/10 (whole day, with participants not participating to QC workshop) : • Drafting the update of CEN/TR 17245 • Drafting ring-test protocol

Working Group 3: Field and Lab Protocols

Fish workshop 1st October 2019 (before lunch - or we could have whole day as well if the participants are not participating in the stakeholder workshop?) Leader: Jelger Herder 1/10 morning 9.00-13.00 detailed schedule to follow This workshop builds on previous WG2 and WG3 activities around the development of an eDNA-based fish monitoring tool that is ready for use in the WFD context. Updates and recent results will be provided by those who have been most active in this area, both in generation of data in the lab and analysis of the data to produce index scores for ecological status assessment. We will consider the extent to which we are arriving at a consensus regarding various key elements of the workflow (e.g. genes / primers, indices to be used in different types of waterbodies) and plan a ring test among the most experienced laboratories to assess consistency of results.

Standardisation of Quality Control steps in laboratory workflows for metabarcoding 2ndOctober 2019 (whole day) Leader: Kat Bruce Bridging the gap between academic research projects and widespread uptake of DNA-based monitoring requires end users to trust data that they themselves have had no part in generating. They must also be able to explain to third parties why they trust the data. This requires that laboratories are able to provide evidence that each step of the analysis has been successful through a robust set of QA / QC tests performed throughout the laboratory workflow. The aim of this one-day workshop is to agree upon such a QA/QC framework. This includes identification of the inherent risks at each stage of the analysis workflow and determination of standard checks and controls that can be implemented to satisfy end users that the process has worked as it should have done. We will aim to begin a draft for a CEN standard or technical report outlining the agreed framework, which will be relevant across multiple different workflows, methodologies and taxonomic groups. Schedule:

• 09:00: Introduction: Kat Bruce • 09:15-09:45: Quick-fire intros from participants • 09:45-10:00: Introduction to Internal Positive Controls - (Alice Valentini?)

Working Group 4: Data Analysis and Storage Workshop: Comparison between pipelines to obtain OTU tables This workshop aims at: 1. Showcasing the results obtained so far in the comparison between different pipelines to obtain unsupervised OTU tables from already controlled sequence reads 2. Introducing a new pipeline, YAPOTU (Yet Another Pipeline for OTU) 3. Brainstorming starting from the results obtained so far 4. Assigning tasks to the participants to complete the comparison Schedule: Tuesday 1.10.2019 from 9:00 to 13:00 Leader: Alain Franc - presentation of preliminary results of the comparisons between methods to obtain OTU tables - introduction to YAPOTU - brainstorming on further analyses and comparisons Wednesday 2.10.2019 from 9:00 to 13:00 Leader: Diego Fontaneto - discussion and tasks assignment on further analyses and comparisons

Working Group 5: Implementation Strategy and Legal Issues

1st of October: Morning: - Overview of ongoing work/meetings that have been taking place with regard to standardization and implementation strategy (WG leaders) - Reporting back from Ecostat meeting in Vienna (Daniel Hering) - Ongoing manuscripts Afternoon: stakeholder workshop

2nd of October: Whole day workshop, optionally in breakout roups - Future opportunities for funding - Work on paper on Essential Biodiversity Variables - Plans for other WG5 work

I LEMESOS SAS KALOSORIZI or LIMASSOL WELCOMES YOU

Limassol or Lemesos derives from the word “nemesos” meaning “one found in the middle”

or after a Byzantine general Nemesion. It is the second largest city of Cyprus. It spreads

out between two ancient city-kingdoms, Amathous to the east and Kourion to the west,

two of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Cyprus. According to mythology,

Amathous is the place where the god Theseus left the pregnant Ariadne after his battle

with the Minotaur. Amathus has been settled since approximately 1000 BC. The remains

shown today date back to the Roman and Byzantine eras. The Greek – Roman

amphitheatre is the most prominent site of Kourion. It was built in the 2nd century B.C. and

since its restoration is used for theatre and music performances. Limassol has the island’s

main port, the centre of the wine industry and a bustling holiday resort. Many hotels and

hotel apartments line a 15 km coastline interspersed with eucalyptus groves and linked

by a promenade (Molos) popular for walkers, joggers and cyclers. Limassol is one of the

most popular tourist destinations in Cyprus, both for its fabulous beaches and its cultural

offerings.

Weather The daily temperature during September ranges between 28 and 32°C. Night-time

minimum temperatures of up to 18°C can be expected.

Electric Sockets The electricity supply in Cyprus is the same as the UK, 240 volts, with a 3-pin electrical

plug socket (type-G). If you need an electrical adaptor, you can buy one from

supermarkets, general electric shops and grocery shops.

Travelling to Cyprus Cyprus is served by two International Airports; Larnaca International Airport, (LCA) and

Paphos International Airport, (PFO). Potential use of another airport amounts to an illegal

entry into and exit from the Republic of Cyprus based on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2016.nsf/mfa13_en/mfa13_en?OpenDocument.

Moving around Cyprus

Buses Information about buses routes from Larnaca or Paphos airport to Limassol and back

can be found on this website: http://enlimassolairportexpress.eu/?page_id=8

Before travelling update the bus route time since their schedule changes frequently. A

one-way ticket costs 9 euros.

Information about bus routes in Limassol including bus timetables, night buses and

maps of Limassol bus routes can be found on this website:

http://www.cyprusbybus.com/routes.aspx?sid=1.

Tips to keep in mind when you are riding a bus

City buses run infrequently. Busy routes have buses running every 15 minutes

during the day, and every 30 minutes in the evening.

Always enter through the front door and buy your ticket from the bus driver. Tickets

cost 1.50 euros per route during the day and 2.50 euros after 9 pm. Daily (5 euros)

and weekly (20 euros) passes are also available upon request.

An application called “CYPRUS BUS” by MOTION is available for download at

http://www.osel.com.cy/tickets-en. It provides exact nearby stops and real-time

routes and schedules.

“Travel” Taxi “Travel” taxi can accommodate between 4 and 7 people and connects major cities.

Taxis run every 30 minutes, Monday-Friday, from 6am to 6pm, and Saturday – Sunday

from 6am to 5pm. You can book your seat over the phone and arrange a personal pick-

up and drop-off location within municipal boundaries. Service taxis do not operate

between airports – towns and towns – villages.

More information at http://www.travelexpress.com.cy/, tel 77777474 or +35725877666

Taxi You can also easily order a taxi that would take you anywhere around the island, but it is

a slightly expensive option. For example, a taxi ride from Limassol to Larnaca Airport

costs 50 euros. A ride to Paphos Airport costs 40-45 euros. A ride around the city costs

10-12 euros. Beware of the rules that apply for reimbursement by COST if you choose to

use taxi as an option to/from the airport. Taxify is also available using the Bolt application.

Bicycle Limassol is well-known for its cycling route in the beachfront. It is recommended to use

only this route and not the streets where bigger vehicles are present as well. It costs 2

euros/ hour or 8 euros/ day by nextbike. More information

https://www.nextbike.com.cy/en/limassol/.

Car rental A European or international driving license will be needed to rent a car. However, a

significant amount (up to 1000 euros) may be asked by the rental company for the

security. In Cyprus traffic drives on the left.

Explore Limassol - Places to visit near the city center The Medieval Castle is situated in the heart of the old town, just above the old harbor.

The exhibits include Medieval pottery, tombstones, superb silver Byzantine era plates,

weapons, crosses and coins. The square of the Medieval Castle of Limassol is the

hallmark of the historical city center. With the castle in the center, the square is

surrounded by numerous restaurants and cafes. The square is within a walking distance

from the Old Port, the Limassol Marina, Aneksartisias Street and all the sites of the

historical center in between.

Medieval Castle Square

Limassol Marina is one of the most important projects ever made in Cyprus. It offers

service area, treatment facilities, fuel station and waste disposal. Also, it hosts designer

shops as well as a range of franchise restaurants and coffee shops. It includes an artificial

beach called Peninsula which is the closest beach to Limassol’s historic center. At the

edge of Marina, a few steps away, visitors can visit the renewed and beautiful Old Port –

Fishing Harbor.

Limassol Marina Old Port

Molos is one of the biggest parks of Cyprus. It is located in front of the center city, next

to the old port until the Olympion beach. At Molos there are hundreds of trees, walkways,

bike lanes, outdoor gyms, sculptures, large and small docks, sidewalks, ramps for

skateboarding, playgrounds, fountains and restaurant-cafes.

Saripolou Square is now one of the most sought out destinations for drinks, dining and

nightlife, located in the center of the city.

Molos Saripolou Square

Enaerios is one of the city’s coffee spots with a wooden pier. It was built at the beginning

of the 20th century and it was exclusively used by Amiandos mine.

Garyllis linear park is a linear park along Garyllis river. It passes through Limassol from

the northern neighborhoods until the south areas (city center, marina, old port). A beautiful

route for walkers and cyclists.

Enaerios Pier Garyllis linear park

A visit to the Limassol zoo and the Municipal gardens can provide a nice walk under

the shade for extra comfort during a hot afternoon. There are various exotic species like

surikatas, monkeys and otters.

Food & drinks The Cypriot cuisine is an exotic blend of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures. Synonymous

with Cypriot cuisine is the ‘meze’ - a variety of small dishes that combine to create a feast,

and a good starting point to become acquainted with the local dishes. You can find meat,

fish or vegetarian mezes depending the tavern. A minimum of two persons is usually

needed for ordering a meze. The secret is to eat slow and reserve space for the next

plate.

Local foods Afelia

Halloumi cheese

Kleftiko

Kolokasi (taro root)

Koupepia

Moussaka

Sheftalies

Stifado

Souvlaki mix

Local sweets Anari cheese pies with filo pastry

Daktyla

Glyko karpouzi (watermelon sweet preserve)

Glyko karydaki (walnut sweet preserve)

Loucoumades (honey dough balls)

Local drinks Commandaria

Cyprus coffee

Zivania

For more info:

https://mycyprustravel.com/regions/limassol/.

http://media.visitcyprus.com/media/eBrochures/High/Lemesos_Brochure_lrg.pdf, a

brochure provided by our Cyprus Tourism Organization.

For any other information do not hesitate to contact us!!

Email: marlen.vasquez@cut.ac.cy & katerina.drakou@cut.ac.cy

Phones: +357 25002603 & +357 99893636