Dr Collin Closek1,4, E. Ikelau Otto2, Dr. Jeanine Brantschen1, Althea Marks3, Lucie Hazen4, Dr. Fiorenza Micheli1,4
1Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, United States of America, 2Palau International Coral Reef Center, Koror, Republic of Palau, 3University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America, 4Stanford University, Stanford, United States of America
Biography:
Collin Closek, Ph.D. (he/him) is a Staff Scientist at the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) at Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station. Closek’s research focuses on technology development and application to assess biodiversity and changes in marine ecosystems. He works with center partners on marine protected areas, biodiversity, and developing technology-focused initiatives that reduce barriers to access. His research background includes using molecular and ecological methods to determine the health and physiological state of marine organisms in aquaculture, coastal, and open ocean systems.
Abstract:
As the aim to conserve and protect more of the global ocean increases, large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs) globally will require low-cost and accessible methods to monitor these vast blue spaces. In 2020, the Republic of Palau implemented the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), which fully protected 475,077 km2 (80%) of their national marine waters to protect marine biodiversity, ensure food security, and grow its economy for future generations. As part of this decision, Palau’s Division of Marine Law Enforcement was mandated to enforce the regulations, and the Palau International Coral Reef Center was charged with conducting science in the largely unexplored PNMS. Biomonitoring via environmental DNA (eDNA) — the genetic material shed by organisms— metabarcoding was selected as a broad and cost-effective method to inventory the biodiversity in Palau’s marine waters. Regular enforcement surveillance missions were conducted while simultaneous seawater sampling occurred on Marine Law vessels. This novel cross-agency collaboration streamlined research and conservation needs with sustainability, monitoring, and surveillance priorities. Shared platforms are not only applicable at sea; incorporating them downstream for data management, analyses, preservation, and sharing are underway. eDNA collections across 32 stations are providing insights on occurrence and distribution of culturally important marine vertebrates and filling knowledge gaps. With a strong record of conservation among Large Ocean States, Palau’s strategy offers an example for other nations striving to protect their oceanscapes. The Palau eDNA Project is enabling increased data collection for protected areas that can inform future decision-making and connect local communities to offshore ecosystems.