About This Project
This project aims to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, perform daily biochemical profiling, and conduct observations during a transatlantic crossing between Guadeloupe and the Azores, in May 2026. By integrating molecular tools, biochemical environmental parameters, and systematic visual monitoring, we seek to provide a comprehensive biodiversity snapshot and ecosystem health, in this key Atlantic corridor.
Ask the Scientists
Join The DiscussionWhat is the context of this research?
The open ocean between Guadeloupe and the Azores is a vast and relatively understudied area ecologically critical for many species, including cetaceans that act as ocean sentinels. While environmental DNA approaches have expanded rapidly in coastal zones, extending these techniques across large oceanic transects combined with biochemical and observational data remains rare. Characterizing the biochemical environment daily during the voyage provides essential context for interpreting biodiversity patterns and ecosystem dynamics. Continuous marine megafauna observations by a Marine Mammal Observer, alongside detailed plastic pollution records, enrich the ecological dataset for this unique oceanic passage.
What is the significance of this project?
By integrating multiple approaches this project will provide critical insights into species distribution, ecosystem connectivity, and the influence of anthropogenic pressures in the Atlantic Ocean. Daily eDNA sampling will enable real-time monitoring of biodiversity throughout the crossing. Marine mammals, as sentinel species, will be systematically observed to assess ecosystem status. The inclusion of continuous plastic pollution monitoring further highlights human impacts on this vital corridor. Biochemical profiling of environmental parameters will enhance our understanding of the relationships between biodiversity patterns and environmental stressors. Together, the results will generate comprehensive data essential for guiding conservation strategies and management policies in these ecologically significant oceanic regions, which serve as migration pathways for numerous species (e.g. Lydersen et al, 2025; Horton et al, 2022).
What are the goals of the project?
The goal of the expedition, crossing from Guadeloupe to Azores is:
to perform daily biochemical measurements of the marine environment throughout the transatlantic crossing to characterize key physicochemical parameters.
to collect environmental DNA samples daily, in duplicate, enabling robust biodiversity assessments across multiple taxa.
to conduct continuous observations of marine megafauna by a trained Marine Mammal Observer, documenting species diversity, abundance, and behavior.
to systematically record plastic debris encountered during the voyage, quantifying pollution levels across the Atlantic corridor.
to integrate biochemical, molecular, and observational data to improve knowledge of ecosystem health, species connectivity, and anthropogenic impacts.
to disseminate results through scientific publications and outreach, contributing to marine conservation science and awareness.
Budget
The budget items are crucial to completing the research project by enabling accurate data collection and analysis. DNA metabarcoding of 15 samples with the 12S mitochondrial rDNA primer pair Vert01 allows precise identification of vertebrate biodiversity from eDNA. We already have the eDNA filters but require 15 preservation buffers to maintain sample integrity and prevent DNA degradation before laboratory processing. Calibration of the physico-chemical probe ensures reliable measurements of environmental parameters, essential for contextualizing biological data. The Audio Interface for Underwater Acoustic Data Acquisition is necessary to record and analyze hydrophone signals, providing complementary acoustic information on marine life. Together, these resources support an integrated approach combining molecular, environmental, and acoustic methods to achieve the project’s objectives.
Meet the Team
Stephanie Suciu
Stephanie’s work in the Azores embraces participatory science and the development of non-invasive methodologies, particularly for studying sperm whale ecology. Since 2019, she has focused on exploring ocean biodiversity using molecular tools, investigating deep-ocean cephalopod biodiversity and cetacean population genetics through the collection and analysis of sperm whale fecal and sloughed skin samples. These research topics are part of the PhD she is currently finishing.
Stephanie holds a degree in bio-engineering, where she began her research journey studying the physiology of elephant seals. Her international experience has shaped her approach to developing and leading initiatives that integrate science, data management, and communication to achieve impact across diverse audiences. Her strength lies in cross-functional project coordination. Some of her passion are freediving and sailing.
She is the leader of MONICEPH, a collaborative network of whale watching companies that allow bio-samples collection. Her work is featured on France TV "Nous les Européens" serie.
Virginie Wyss
Virginie is a Swiss-born marine biologist with over 14 years of experience in the field of marine biology. Since 2017, she has worked as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operator, participating in more than 40 scientific and industrial projects worldwide. In 2021, she co-founded a scientific expedition called Glacialis, sailing from the Azores to Greenland aboard a sailboat. This expedition aimed to develop open and participatory science while collecting data on cetaceans and marine ecosystems in still little-studied areas. This human and scientific adventure gave rise to the film Latitude du changement, broadcast on TV5 Monde.
Today, through this new expedition, Virginie wishes to continue this commitment by contributing to the collection of scientific data in regions that remain poorly explored in terms of fauna. The project notably relies on environmental DNA sampling, an innovative and non-invasive method allowing the identification of marine biodiversity from simple seawater samples. By supporting this expedition, you directly contribute to advancing ocean knowledge, promoting collaborative science, and improving our understanding of marine ecosystems—an essential step towards their protection.
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