eDNA-Dominant Marine Fish Species Characterize Coastal Habitats: an eDNA-Based Classifier Approach to Aid Marine Biogeography and Ocean Monitoring

Presenter(s): Mark Stoeckle, Senior Research Associate, The Rockefeller University & Jesse Ausubel, Director of Program for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University

Sponsor(s): NOAA Omics

Seminar Contact(s): Nicole Miller, NOAA ‘Omics Portfolio Specialist, noaa.omics@noaa.gov

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Abstract: A small minority of species typically account for the great majority of individuals or biomass. Here we characterize marine coastal habitats based on abundance of marine fish environmental DNA. We designate the ten most eDNA-abundant fish species in each habitat as eDNA-dominant species. eDNA-dominant species are similar within but differ among habitats and seasons and accord with abundance by traditional survey methods. Classifiers based on eDNA-dominant fish species could help map marine fish habitats and monitor changing oceans. Advantages include relatively low sampling requirements, a single technology applicable to diverse habitats, and ease of application to multiple datasets.

Bio(s): Mark Stoeckle is Senior Research Associate in the Program for the Human Environment at The Rockefeller University. Beginning in 2003, he helped organize the early meetings that laid the foundation for the DNA barcoding initiative. His DNA barcoding projects with high school students attracted front-page coverage in The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal. Since 2015 he has been researching environmental DNA in New York Bight as a tool for monitoring marine animal populations. He published the first time-series eDNA study of the lower Hudson River estuary in 2017. In collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Stoeckle led the first large-scale bottom trawl-eDNA comparison, with results published in 2021. Jesse Ausubel directs The Rockefeller University’s Program for the Human Environment (PHE), which aims to elaborate the technical vision of a large, prosperous society that emits little harmful and spares large amounts of land and sea for nature. Mr. Ausubel initiated and helped lead the Census of Marine Life, Barcode of Life Initiative, and ongoing International Quiet Ocean Experiment. In 2018 PHE hosted the first US National Conference on Marine eDNA. Mr. Ausubel is an adjunct scientist of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, University Fellow of Resources for the Future, and member of NOAA’s Science Advisory Board.

Slides, Recordings, Other Materials: A recording of this presentation will be made available on the NOAA Omics website. View past omics seminar recordings here: https://sciencecouncil.noaa.gov/NOAA-Science-Technology-Focus-Areas/NOAA-Omics