Demonstrating marine eDNA technology for monitoring biodiversity, characterizing ocean biogeochemistry, and enhancing other monitoring methods

Dr Luke Thompson^1,2, Dr Sean Anderson^1,2, Emma Graves², Sammy Harding^1,2, Dr Ann Holmes^1,2, Gabriella Lirio^2,3, Dr Enrique Montes^2,3, Dr Emily Osborne², Carter Rollins^1,2, Francis Serrano^2,3, Dr Katherine Silliman², Bayden Willms^1,2, Dr Adrianne Wilson^1,2

¹Northern Gulf Institute (NGI), Mississippi State University, Starkville, USA, ²Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Miami, USA, ³Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), University of Miami, Miami, USA

Biography:

Luke Thompson is an associate research professor at Mississippi State University, based at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami, Florida. Luke received his bachelor’s degree at Stanford University and his PhD at MIT, both in biology. His current research focuses on marine systems, from microbes to fish to mammals, using ‘omics methods, especially DNA sequencing. His group develops methods for high-throughput environmental DNA sample processing and data analysis and applies them to monitoring and conservation efforts in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and global ocean.

Abstract:

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has several potential advantages over traditional methods that translate well to the marine realm. These include non-invasiveness, enhanced detection of rare or elusive species, comprehensive detection of whole communities, and cost-effectiveness. However, there remain challenges in validation, throughput, and data sharing when deploying methods like eDNA metabarcoding for monitoring at a scale that is useful for managers. In this talk, I will highlight regular eDNA-based monitoring efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and marine protected areas that are providing insights into marine biodiversity and aquatic ecosystem health to ultimately address information needs of various stakeholders. I will share how we are standardizing and streamlining our methods throughout the metabarcoding workflow, from sample collection to DNA extraction and sequencing to data processing, sharing, and publishing. Together, these initiatives and the methods underpinning them are providing comprehensive insights into marine ecosystems and supporting aquatic conservation and management strategies.