Discovery Deep Starts eDNA Sampling

Discovery Deep Starts eDNA Sampling

Discovery Deep team member Dr. Steve Klinker, a recent addition to the team, carried out the first sample collection of environmental DNA supporting Salford University (Manchester, UK) Professor Stefano Mariani’s Shark Biodiversity research. Steve, diving with buddy Steve Bourque, conducted two dives today just south of Jupiter, Florida. We’d like to congratulate the two Steve’s for their work!

Mariani’s Shark Biodiversity research aims to evaluate the use of environmental DNA collection to track shark populations through the organic matter they leave behind in the water column rather than relying solely on visual data. He and his grad assistant Judith Bakker working out of The Bahamas agreed to Discovery Deep’s proposal to support their research via the collection of samples from shark habitats to which Discovery Deep has ready access. So far their plan calls for collecting samples off the Florida California and North Carolina coasts. Other areas of the world may cone into play in the near future.