Advancing Environmental Genomics for Marine Mammal Characterization
Abstract
Approved for Public Release: This proposal will develop an advanced operational genomic characterization capability for detection of marine mammal species using aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA). Voucher specimens and aquaria-collected samples will be deep sequenced to identify limitations to current state of the art assays, and optimized approaches will then be applied to eDNA samples collected from the open ocean. As described, this effort will generate a comprehensive set of data for marine mammal eDNA characterization that is not currently available to the public. The resulting operational platform will integrate state of the art nanopore sequencing with highly specialized taxonomic classification and an intuitive analysis dashboard, enabling operation in both specialized and non-traditional laboratory settings. Sample handling and data analysis approaches will be optimized for use by minimally-trained operators, enabling decision making by resource managers and further archiving for digital environmental survey purposes. Our team at JHU/APL is uniquely positioned to develop this capability based on longstanding operational genomics work, and this platform will represent a new era in eDNA survey capabilities that can ultimately be deployed as sensing systems for biological observation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112610
Entities
People
- Peter Thielen
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy