Molecular Ecology and Paleogenomics - MEP
Research Director Molecular Ecology
- Bergen
aula@norceresearch.no
+47 56 10 74 24
Environmental DNA/eDNA
We do research on everything from offshore wind farms to plastic particles
Fish, bottom-dwelling creatures, algae – all living organisms in water – leave traces of DNA. When we examine a water sample, we primarily find DNA traces from fish through their mucus and feces. The DNA can also come from eggs, milt, roe, pieces of whole animals, seaweed, or entire organisms such as single-celled algae or bacteria. DNA from living organisms is found everywhere in nature and is collectively referred to as environmental DNA (eDNA). Environmental DNA is a relatively new and highly useful tool in environmental research.
We have conducted baseline surveys in connection with possible future deep-sea mineral extraction, monitored impacts from offshore wind installations, aquaculture, and oil and gas extraction – fish, bottom-dwellers, and other living organisms are influenced by various factors. We have also mapped fish and human pathogenic organisms and microorganisms associated with plastic particles. Simultaneously, we use environmental DNA to track salmonids in freshwater and to study past biological diversity and the biological carbon pump (see more about this under aDNA).
Kontaktperson
Aud Larsen
Forskerne våre har blant annet undersøkt eDNA-prøver fra vannet rundt havvindparken Hywind Scotland som ligger utenfor byen Peterhead på den skotske østkyst.
Investigating how biodiversity is affected by changes
By studying environmental DNA from water, sediment, and soil samples, biodiversity in nature can be described, and it can be examined whether it has changed over time or as a result of altered environmental conditions. Specific organisms can also be identified – whether they are visible or invisible to the naked eye, and whether they are desired or undesired in the specific area. NORCE Climate and Environment utilizes and further develops the use of environmental DNA to describe species composition in various aquatic environments. The methodology can be used both qualitatively (meta-barcoding) and quantitatively (qPCR, ddPCR, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics), often in combination with morphological taxonomy and/or flow cytometry to achieve the best possible description of biodiversity in the ocean and on the seabed.
