Unlocking Ocean Biodiversity through DNA Science

Discover how invisible traces of DNA found in seawater are unlocking a new era in ocean monitoring. Follow the journey of environmental DNA from the ocean, through the lab, into the heart of conservation efforts.

The ocean holds more life than we can see. In every drop of seawater, there are fragments of DNA left behind by marine life. These genetic traces are the starting point of our journey to understand and protect ocean biodiversity.

Scientists collect seawater and sediment samples containing eDNA — genetic material released by fish, corals, and even microorganisms. Without harming any species, this method reveals what’s living in the environment.

Back in the lab, scientists extract and sequence the DNA. Each sequence is compared to databases to identify species, giving us a powerful tool to monitor ecosystems with precision.

These insights guide conservation efforts: identifying endangered and invasive species, tracking changes, and informing the management of marine protected areas. It also provides a database of all the species living in the area. One sample, many answers.

Portable sequencers, automated samplers, and real-time DNA analysis are transforming how we monitor the sea. The future of conservation is data-driven — and it starts with a single drop.