SEA-MES coupled eDNA experiment

SEA-MES is combining innovative science and technology to improve management of our marine ecosystems. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic material that is found in the environment. In marine ecosystems it is ubiquitous in seawater, and comes all organisms from bacteria to invertebrates and fishes.It can be recovered by filtering small water samples and used to characterised biodiversity. We are collecting eDNA from bottles lowered to specific depths through the water column and by using a CSIRO-developed eDNA collection device which is connected to the ships towed camera system. This device binds eDNA in the water along transects where the camera system is towed near the seabed.

By pairing eDNA collection with data from established sampling techniques carried out at the same sites such as fish trawl and video footage, we will be able to verify the presence and abundance of species being seen and caught with the DNA sequences captured. This will provide a more inclusive view of species in the area since each sampling method focusses on a component of the total biodiversity.

This exciting technology has the potential to improve monitoring of biodiversity and reduce extractive sampling methods. This eDNA project is being co-funded by NESP Project 4.23 – Marine and Coastal Hub.