DNA-based tech for better marine preservation policy
We hope to monitor and map the spatio temporal variation of biodiversity and its drivers in coastal systems.
Glenn J. Dunshea, DiverSea project co-coordinator
The EU-funded DiverSea project could revolutionise how we approach marine biodiversity. DNA collected from environmental samples (eDNA) has been widely used to better understand the state of our planet’s biodiversity in recent years, but its full potential is still untapped. In an effort to deepen our understanding of marine biodiversity, DiverSea is using eDNA to offer unprecedented insights into ocean ecosystems and help shape effective conservation strategies. “By integrating emerging molecular techniques such as eDNA with existing technologies such as satellites and autonomous systems, we hope to monitor and map the spatio-temporal variation of biodiversity and its drivers in coastal systems,” explains Glenn J. Dunshea, project co-coordinator on behalf of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology with biogeochemist Murat V. Ardelan. At the heart of DiverSea’s innovative approach is the ‘DNAmark’ method, a technique that simplifies the collection of genetic data. This method, which uses low-coverage genome sequencing combined with efficient computational strategies, can significantly reduce the time and cost of marine biodiversity assessments. As Dunshea puts it: “Such advancement in DNA and RNA identification and interpretation promises to enhance our understanding of marine life in ways previously thought impractical due to cost and technological constraints.” Beyond gathering information on the state of coastal regions’ biodiversity, DiverSea will help in understanding the physical, chemical and biological drivers of biodiversity decline while mapping habitats in coastal marine environments. Traditional mapping methods face significant challenges due to the sheer scale and inaccessibility of underwater habitats, but the project will overcome these obstacles by merging molecular data with robotic technologies. By the end of the project’s lifetime in August 2027, consortium members hope to have created a platform allowing non-experts and policymakers to understand and manage marine biodiversity more effectively. The tool will forecast the long-term impacts of different management strategies on marine ecosystems, thereby supporting informed policy decisions. Understanding the direct drivers of biodiversity loss in different habitats is crucial for effective conservation efforts. Launched in September 2023, DiverSea’s results promise to be instrumental in these efforts.
Keywords
blue carbon, ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus, climate mitigation and adaptation, natural carbon sequestration, ecosystem services, marine biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, functional ecology, maritime spatial planning, ecosystem-based approach