This past week, a team of scientists and Stony Brook University researchers deployed a new environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling vessel into Shinnecock Bay, Long Island.
The vessel measures about 12 feet in length and is equipped with solar panels. The eDNA sampling craft — named DataXplorer — offers several advantages over traditional research methods, including the ability to collect eDNA samples through filtration.
eDNA is typically found when an animal leaves tiny bits of itself behind through shedding or excretion. Using eDNA, scientists can identify animals without disturbing them.
Dr. Ellen Pikitch, one of the lead researchers on the project, the executive director of the Institute for Ocean and Conservation Science and a marine science professor at Stony Brook University, said “There will be an explosion with eDNA soon.”
The Stony Brook team has been working with this technology for the past five years. Using eDNA isn’t as harmful as traditional methods, such as trawling, which involves surveying with a net. The use of trawling also leads to the damage of ecosystems, contributing to the destruction of sea animals’ habitats.
Dr. Kelsey Leonard, a lead researcher in the project, as well as a citizen of the Shinnecock Nation and an assistant professor at the University of Waterloo, also highlighted some benefits of this new approach.
“We recognize that for biodiversity survey monitoring, particularly in Shinnecock Bay and in coastal environments, we as a collective of scientists and society have relied on methods that can be disruptive and harmful to ecosystems,” Dr. Leonard said.
Dr. Leonard also emphasized that the end goal was to be less destructive toward local environments.
“We’re really trying to test out new technology that would allow us to evolve our scientific method to have better approaches that are less destructive, less harmful and have a lower ecological footprint than our current methods,” she said.
Using the approach of filtration instead of trawling can lead to less disruption of various ecosystems. Dr. Leonard also highlighted the vessel’s solar integration, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels which are typically used in research boats.
Dr. Pikitch also noted the craft’s ability to access shallow areas and perform water filtration independently. The eDNA sampling technique can detect a wide range of marine life, from microscopic organisms to larger species like sharks and whales — a feature that was impossible with conventional trawling methods. After the craft’s run, samples are collected by researchers and raced back to the lab for further analysis.
“The DataXplorer is allowing us to pilot and see what works, what doesn’t and how we can evolve those methods,” Dr. Pikitch said.
In addition to its benefits, the DataXplorer also serves as an educational tool.
“It’s a way for everyone, the public included, to be a part of this next stage of inquiry and how we learn about our world and then how we teach that knowledge to others,” Dr. Leonard said.
Since the release of the DataXplorer into the Bay, locals have raised some questions to the scientists. Dr. Leonard noted that the craft sparked conversations about the ecosystem as well.
The teams invited the community to an open press event on Sept. 12 where people could see a technology demonstration. Many community members and local workers came to see the DataXplorer up close.
The teams also worked with the Hope Spots Project from Mission Blue, led by Dr. Sylvia Earle, a world-renowned oceanographer and explorer. Hope Spots are protected places that are scientifically identified as critical to the ocean’s health. Shinnecock Bay was declared the first Hope Spot in New York in June 2022.
As this innovative vessel continues its mission in Shinnecock Bay, it not only allows researchers to unveil new insights about local marine ecosystems but also sets a precedent for how eDNA is collected.
