Citizens of the Sea eDNA sampling with Mike Golding OBE

DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse
Whangarei, New Zealand
May 11-18, 2024

Purpose of Research

Citizens of the Sea is a pioneering science program that calls upon offshore sailors to address some of the ocean's most urgent questions with cutting-edge technology. Cruisers and racers contribute vital scientific data through sampling oceanic eDNA and conducting photogrammetric surveys of Pacific coral reefs, enhancing our understanding of ocean biodiversity at scale."

The South Pacific is a region teeming with diversity and adventure. However, much remains to be discovered. This environmental DNA project maps biodiversity across Tonga, Fiji and New Caledonia, giving us clearer insights into the impacts of climate change, fishing and marine reserves.

Program Overview

From May 11th-18th, 2024, The International SeaKeepers Society South Pacific, facilitated an eDNA citizen science initiative through DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse. Citizens of the Sea has developed a hydrodynamic environmental DNA (eDNA) collection system, designed to be towed at speeds from 5 to 12 knots to enable offshore yachts to collect eDNA at fast cruising speeds. Their project aims to discover more about New Zealand’s marine biodiversity by using cutting-edge genomic technologies to analyze the cells that species lose naturally as they travel through the ocean.

Application

Starting on their departure day, the Goldings took three samples each day on their crossing from New Zealand to Fiji. This was done by deploying the TorpeDNA safely from the stern of the vessel towing the device for 5 minutes each time. After each deployment the filter was removed and given to the person that was in charge of the dry lab which was set up on the aft deck table. The person in the dry lab wore gloves and had a sterile surface to avoid as much cross contamination as possible. The filter is removed with a pair of tweezers, folded up and placed in preserving tubes and stored in a cool place. Once they arrived in Port Denarau, Fiji, they handed over their samples to Erin from Citizens of the Sea.