Dr Kevan Yamahara1, Scott Jensen1, Enoch Nicholson1, James Birch1
1Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, United States
Biography:
Kevan Yamahara is a Research Specialist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). He received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Stanford University. At MBARI his research focuses on the development and application of new technologies for biological monitoring of aquatic environments.
Abstract:
Environmental DNA (eDNA) presents a promising tool for the management of aquatic ecosystems, though its broader application has been hindered by methodological challenges, particularly in sample acquisition. The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), developed at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), functions as a robotic system for autonomous eDNA sampling and in-situ processing. Despite its effectiveness, limitations in scalability arise due to the ESP's size, complexity, and cost. The Filtering Instrument for DNA Observation (FIDO) offers an innovative solution as an autonomous eDNA sampling instrument, specifically designed for marine and freshwater environments. By moving away from traditional, complex operational methodologies, this device features a simple web-based user interface, compact size, and portability, which together facilitate the timely and accurate collection of eDNA data. Autonomous capabilities of FIDO enable programmed sampling, real-time instrument feedback, and deployment across a variety of eDNA use-cases and environments. Validation studies employing various qPCR targets demonstrate the instrument's precision and reliability in detecting eDNA from a wide range of organisms.