Using Ocean Diagnostics’ Ascension eDNA depth sampler, Minderoo’s OceanOmics team collected hundreds of eDNA samples along Australia’s southwestern coastline, often in remote and under surveyed locations. Results found comparable data with the existing Niskin method at a fraction of the processing time, providing more user feasibility for tender boats and avoiding sample contamination. The project also created the first eDNA biodiversity assessment of the Christmas and Cocos Islands and surveyed the Abrolhos Islands.
“Having Ascension that could potentially revolutionize the field was just like a beacon,” recalls OceanOmics Research Analyst Marcelle Ayad.
(Image credit: Giacomo d’Orlando)
Ascension is a portable and automated 22-pound instrument that can be deployed from small vessels or fixed installations to collect filtered eDNA samples down to 400-meter depths.
Working toward the international goal of protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030, Australia has already designated 43 percent of its coastline as a marine protected area. However, park managers don’t always have the capacity to implement or assess protection measures. More scientific data is needed to better understand the biodiversity and effectiveness of marine parks.
“Ascension can be integrated into normal monitoring of (marine parks) to give them a vast amount of information that they wouldn’t be able to get with other methods,” shares OceanOmics Marine Ecologist Dr. Eric Raes.
(Image credit: Giacomo d’Orlando)
