Through the month of July, several topics trended in headlines and announcements. Investments in ocean and coastal monitoring brought a heavy emphasis on the need to increase the observation of harmful algal bloom (HAB) and ocean acidification.
Following the White House’s release of the “National Strategy for Aquatic Environmental DNA,” the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expanded on the strategy development to ensure a whole-of-government coordination for the use of eDNA for aquatic biodiversity monitoring. Following the announcement, NatureMetrics and Dartmouth Ocean Technologies (DOT) announced that their autonomous aquatic eDNA sampler was available for commercial use.
Changes to policies and plans for fisheries and aquaculture regulations have been a continual thread across various governments. The United Nations endorsed new guidelines for sustainable aquaculture to push the development of global aquaculture best practices.
Additionally, the Government of Canada announced the designation of a new Marine Protected Area (MPA), Tang.ɢwan—ḥačxwiqak—Tsig̱is, to protect and conserve biological hotspots home to rare and unique aquatic species. All known Canadian hydrothermal vents and over 70 percent of all known Canadian Seamounts are within the MPA.
Spaces we’re watching: eDNA, ocean monitoring and observation, funding
