For several years now, Ponto-Caspian gobies have been spreading along European waterways, presumably aided by shipping routes. In 2012 the round goby was detected in Basel for the first time while the bighead goby has reached Switzerland shortly beforehand. Both bottom-dwelling fish species are known for their rapid propagation.

Ponto-Caspian gobies pose a threat to native ecosystems. Therefore, the MSE works closely together with the Confederation and the cantons to develop scientifically sound management measures. In addition to this applied perspective, Ponto-Caspian gobies are also ideal model organisms for dealing with genetic issues.

The goby team combines knowledge from different natural sciences backgrounds with skills from economics and the social sciences. Present team members are: