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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/N006496/1

Development and application of eDNA tools to assess the structure and function of coastal sea ecosystems (MARINe-DNA)

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Dr J Robidart, NOC (Up to 31.10.2019), Science and Technology
Co-Investigator:
Dr H Ruhl, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
Co-Investigator:
Professor M Mowlem, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
Co-Investigator:
Dr C Young III, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
Science Area:
Atmospheric
Freshwater
Marine
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Unknown
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Global Change
Natural Resource Management
Pollution and Waste
Science Topics:
Population Ecology
Ecosystem Scale Processes
Responses to environment
Environmental Genomics
Land - Ocean Interactions
Abstract:
Summary SeA-DNA: Development and application of eDNA tools to assess the structure and function of coastal sea ecosystems. 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:
1 Dec 2015 - 31 Oct 2019
Value:
£236,313 Split Award
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/N006496/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Directed (Research Programmes)
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Highlights

This grant award has a total value of £236,313  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

DI - Other CostsIndirect - Indirect CostsDA - Estate CostsDI - StaffDI - T&S
£39,442£75,162£29,520£87,705£4,483

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