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A new type of autonomous aquatic sampling instrument
In order to understand the myriad of biological processes at work in aquatic systems, collecting samples repeatedly and over extended periods of time is often required. Yet this requirement is often difficult to meet, as weather, access, funding, and personnel issues can make repeated, extended sampling difficult. Over 18 years ago we developed the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), a robotic system capable of automatically sampling and processing in situ. While the ESP has repeatedly demonstrated the advantages of autonomous sampling, its size, complexity, and cost have limited its use at scale. To address this problem, in collaboration with the USGS, we have designed a new type of robotic sampler, initially developed for environmental DNA studies where preservation of samples is the primary goal. This device, called FIDO (Filtering Instrument for DNA Observations), was designed from the start with cost and ease-of-use in mind. FIDO is capable of acquiring 140 samples, and operates from a simple web-interface via cell or satellite linkage. In this talk we will explain the drivers that led to the development of FIDO, as well as it's efficacy at eDNA collection compared to traditional methods, based on results from a recent validation study at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.