Novel use of eDNA methods to survey gastropod diversity on intertidal rock platforms along a latitudinal gradient in Western Australia
Simon Jarman1, Matilda Murley1, Jane Prince1
1University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
Abstract:
Intertidal rock platforms are extensive and understudied marine ecosystems in Western Australia (WA) that support high invertebrate species richness and diverse habitats. Dynamic intertidal conditions mean that habitats on rock platforms are highly heterogeneous, resulting in a mosaic of microhabitats. Gastropods are the most abundant and diverse fauna found across all habitats on rock platforms and play an important role in supporting intertidal and subtidal trophic structures. Intertidal rock platforms are notoriously difficult environments to survey as researchers must often negotiate hazardous conditions. This study trialed environment DNA (eDNA) technology to investigate gastropod diversity in microhabitats. eDNA can be a powerful tool for cross-validation, uncovering a broader range of taxa and collecting non-destructive biodiversity samples. Three regions along the WA coastline were sampled – The Kimberley (18°S), Ningaloo Marine Park (21°S) and Rottnest Island (32°S). Samples employed a novel eDNA collection method, using scourers to collect samples from surfaces of three microhabitats (rock pools, bare rock and macroalgae). eDNA sampling was also conducted concurrently with traditional visual survey methods. Data is still being processed and sequenced, however qPCR analysis of the samples has indicated that it was successful in collecting gastropod DNA from surfaces. Allowing eDNA diversity estimates to be ground-truthed by in-situ collected data, provides a very detailed picture of rock platform ecosystems and this new collection methodology potentially could improve the efficiency, accuracy and safety of future monitoring. This presentation will discuss the findings of the study and share insights about using a novel method in an understudied environment.
Biography:
Biography to come