Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/N00633X/1
Development and application of eDNA tools to assess the structure and function of coastal sea ecosystems (MARINe-DNA)
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr AR Jeffries, University of Exeter, Biosciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor TA Richards, University of Oxford, Biology
- Grant held at:
- University of Exeter, Biosciences
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Unknown
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Community Ecology
- Benthic communities
- Biodiversity
- Community structure
- Ecosystem function
- Ecosystem services
- Fungal communities
- Marine communities
- Microbes
- Systematics & Taxonomy
- DNA barcoding
- Genetic diversity
- Species richness
- Biogeochemical Cycles
- Biodiversity
- Marine sediments
- Microbial communities
- Environmental Genomics
- Microbial communities
- Genomics
- Genomics
- Metagenomics
- Sequencing
- Abstract:
- This NERC highlight topic focuses on the use of eDNA as a new tool for 21st century ecology. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is defined in the call as 'free DNA present outside of any organism'. The aim of the call is to address the current knowledge gaps in the application of eDNA approaches to help understand community biodiversity and dynamics of ecosystem functioning. We will conduct a proof-of-concept investigation at Station L4, an exemplar coastal ocean ecosystem, and natural laboratory, in the English Channel off Plymouth, UK. Starting with a hydrodynamic model to spatially and temporally define the ecosystem (how large is the natural laboratory?) the project will then be split into three experimental phases: 1) eDNA methodological validation (developing the tools); 2) 18-month temporal pelagic survey (testing the tools); and 3) Comprehensive data analysis and model assimilation (did the tools work, what did they tell us, and are they useful?) Using a wide range of expertise from 4 different institutions (PML, MBA, NOC, and U.Exeter), we will investigate a spatially defined region, from estuarine to coastal, benthic to pelagic; and at a range of temporal resolutions building on NERC National Capability sampling regimes and biosensor deployment. E-metagenetic and e-metagenomic data (individual genes to whole genomes) will be used to answer cross-cutting science questions utilising current physicochemical and biological information collected in parallel at this important coastal site. Results from this project will provide a methodological template for the use of eDNA and remote eDNA biosensors in aquatic ecosystems. Downstream data will significantly advance our understanding of persistence of eDNA, and its potential impact on informing models of ecosystem functioning. Products of this research will have wider implications for the use of this tool on fisheries assessments, fish pathogen detection, conservation biology, environmental risk management (e.g. toxic algae blooms, human pathogens, ballast water regulations), with the wider aim of supporting biodiversity and nature's services through NERC's strategic pillar of "Managing environmental change".
- Period of Award:
- 16 Nov 2015 - 15 Nov 2020
- Value:
- £238,948 Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/N00633X/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Directed (Research Programmes)
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Highlights
This grant award has a total value of £238,948
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DI - Staff | DA - Estate Costs | DI - T&S | DA - Other Directly Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £150,213 | £19,853 | £26,191 | £7,880 | £1,960 | £32,850 |
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