About This Project

Recent trials in the Galapagos demonstrate that environmental DNA (eDNA) is a powerful biodiversity monitoring tool. This project compares PUF filters (emerging technology) and cellulose membranes (industry standard) using diver-towed devices at four sites in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. One filter will emerge from the trial as having outperformed the other in capturing biodiversity, enabling the development of standardized marine eDNA monitoring protocols.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

eDNA is transforming how we monitor marine biodiversity, often outperforming traditional surveys in efficiency and species detection. Comparative studies show that eDNA can detect cryptic taxa missed by visual or BRUV surveys while also being more cost-effective. Yet methodological choices, especially filter type, strongly influence DNA recovery. Recent comparisons of eDNA collection confirm that filter material alone can shift DNA composition. Novel approaches, including the use of paint rollers for submerged surface sampling, highlight the rapid pace of experimentation in the field. This project compares emerging and established substrates, polyurethane foam and cellulose, under identical conditions in Monterey Bay, to evaluate which will yield the most species detections when processed through standard sequencing protocols. The results will improve the accuracy of marine eDNA surveys, strengthen open biodiversity databases, and inform methods for reliable, long-term monitoring.

What is the significance of this project?

eDNA is strengthening our ability to understand the natural world by generating vast amounts of biodiversity data quickly and economically. In California, eDNA studies in Scorpion State Marine Reserve and across the Channel Islands are already informing marine protected area (MPA) monitoring, supporting climate change assessments, and sustainable fisheries management. But eDNA results are only as reliable as the methods used to collect them. As the technology has spread, protocols have lagged, creating inconsistent and less reliable data, particularly in marine environments. This project addresses that gap by directly testing how filter choice influences species detection, improving confidence in eDNA as a tool to protect biodiversity. Highlighting the urgency of the extinction crisis, this work also stresses the scale of opportunity that big data brings to policy impact, and shows real-world relevance by strengthening the evidence base for designating and enforcing protections.

What are the goals of the project?

The funds will be used to purchase diver-towed sampling devices with flowmeter, 3D-printed cellulose filter adapters, and filters, and to cover sequencing costs at Jonah Ventures lab. Four divers will collect samples at Breakwater, Lover’s Point, Whaler’s Cove, and Monastery in Monterey Bay. At each site, two divers will tow polyurethane foam filters and two will tow cellulose filters, yielding 16 total samples. Filters will be preserved in DNA buffer, shipped to the lab, and sequenced using standard metabarcoding protocols. After the return of the raw data, we will analyze it against known species lists to compare biodiversity detection across filter types. The study will be carried out in fall 2025, with sequencing completed within six weeks. Results will be deposited in GenBank for open access and written up for peer-reviewed publication, providing the research and conservation community with clearer methods for reliable marine biodiversity monitoring.