Miss Clare Grimm1,2,3, Mr. Jason Doyle1, Prof David Bourne1,2
1Australian Institute Of Marine Science, Townsville , Australia, 2James Cook University, Townsville, Australia, 3AIMS@JCU, Townsville, Australia
Developing a sustainable coral aquaculture industry is essential for supplementing the marine ornamental trade but also for actively restoring reefs that have been degraded globally due to anthropogenic impacts. The Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) (https://gbrrestoration.org/) aims to provide large scale coral propagation systems that can deliver the quantity and diversity of coral required to make an impact in reef restoration. However, success in the developing coral aquaculture sector is constrained by disease virulence and parasitic pests. The genera Phestilla (Fionidae: Trinchesiidae) is the largest group of Nudibranchia that feed exclusively on scleractinian corals. These corallivore specialists present a challenge to coral propagation systems, often evading detection and eradication due to their small size and effective camouflage. We developed a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)-based assay to detect environmental DNA (eDNA) of Phestilla pest species in coral propagation systems. Specific primers were designed targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene (mtCOI) along with standard assay validation. Sensitivity metrics and in-situ detection results will be presented highlighting the utility of eDNA methods and workflows within aquaculture systems. Specifically, we demonstrate the rapid detection of problematic Phestilla spp. infesting coral propagation systems, providing a cost-effective, early diagnostic tool that can aid marine ornamental industries and future aquaculture facilities dedicated to supplying corals for reef restoration activities.
Biography:
Clare Grimm is a James Cook University (JCU) Master of Science candidate, investigating the applications of environmental DNA (eDNA) in coral aquaculture. Specifically, her research involves optimizing an eDNA droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for the detection of corallivorous Phestilla sp. in coral cultures for reef restoration.
Clare is originally from Wisconsin, United States, but moved to Warrnambool, Victoria to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology at Deakin University. She is passionate about diving and spending time on the ocean. Her goal is to continue investigating eDNA methods and how they can be applied to solve ocean conservation issues.