Optimization of eDNA Methods for Detecting Cetaceans in Southern California

Monitoring practices are essential for evaluating the status of cetacean populations and identifying threats posed by human activities. Environmental DNA (eDNA), which consists of genetic material released by organisms into their environment, offers an innovative assessment method. For this project, data was obtained from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI). This research aimed to detect cetaceans off the coast of Southern California and assess the effectiveness of eDNA as a complementary tool to established visual and acoustic monitoring methods. A total of 242 samples were extracted (n=242) and over 350 Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) were conducted, resulting in approximately 10% positive outcomes of cetacean DNA. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) sequencing results showed the putative presence of delphinids and whales. These results show eDNA as a promising applicable tool for studies that aim to conserve rare, cryptic, and elusive species. Future research directions include optimizing eDNA methodologies and incorporating the evaluation of abundant whale food sources to map potential habitats. Ongoing work will focus on determining the most effective methods for detecting rare targets, such as using marine mammal-specific vertebrate markers with amplicon sequencing or species-specific assays.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Yeishmary Soto Muñiz, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras (yeishmary.soto@upr.edu)

Authors:

Yeishmary Soto Muñiz, University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras  (yeishmary.soto@upr.edu)

Julie Dinasquet, Scripps Institution of Oceanography  (jdinasquet@ucsd.edu)

Brice Semmens, Scripps Institution of Oceanography  (bsemmens@ucsd.edu)