The use of eDNA to study biodiversity in the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
The area of coastline being proposed for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) is home to a stunning diversity of habitats and plant and animal species long integral to the health and wellbeing of our coastal communities.
In this project, the research team will use eDNA to describe and monitor species abundances and genetic diversity of fish, invertebrates, algae, and sea birds in the proposed CHNMS.
This technique involves gathering samples of soil, water, rock, air & other physical substrates & sequencing DNA to characterize groups of species & their genetic variants.
In this new project, the research team will work with educational liaisons on the #NorthernChumash Tribal Council to engage students, fishers, and other community members in collecting data to determine the ecological diversity of the @CHNMSanctuary.
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Photo credits: P. Shum, Robert Schwemmer
#tribalcomanagement #marineprotectedareas #marinebiology #marinescience #conservancy #protectthesacred #seaweed #CHNMS