Daniel Crossett1, Emily Giles1, Xavier Pochon1, Michelle Scriver2, Anastasija Zaiko2, Hannah Hampton1
1Cawthron Institute, Nelson, Aotearoa / New Zealand, 2Sequench, Nelson, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Biography:
TBC
Abstract:
Kelp forests are crucial to marine ecosystems, providing habitat, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting coastal resilience. Kelp forests are increasingly being recognized for their potential to contribute to carbon sequestration through acting as important natural sinks. Consequently, kelp may play a vital role in climate regulation, mitigation and adaptation. However, quantifying their carbon storage potential, especially in terms of long-term sequestration in marine sediments remains a challenge. Established methods, like stable isotope, pigments and lipid analysis are known to underperform when it comes to detection and identification of kelp-derived carbon in marine sediments.
Here we present results of a project that is developing innovative environmental DNA (eDNA)-based tools for tracing blue carbon associated with giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera habitats. By comparing whole genomes of globally distributed Macrocystis pyrifera, we augment M. pyrifera genomic resources to better understand species diversity. This improved resource has informed the development and validation of a species-specific M. pyrifera digital droplet PCR assay. In turn, this new assay has been used in a proof-of-concept study aimed at detecting giant kelp eDNA and associated algal species in marine sediments found in currently healthy, declining, and historical kelp forest habitats.
Overall, the results will enhance our understanding of kelp forests' contribution to blue carbon frameworks, supporting climate action, conservation policies, and sustainable marine resource management. The standardized eDNA-based tools developed in this project have the potential to revolutionize how we assess marine carbon stocks and their role in global carbon cycles.