The utilization of Environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionizing the way people study and conserve marine ecosystems. At the forefront of this exciting development is Dr. Camille Gaynus, Chief Science Officer at Black in Marine Science (BIMS). Through the Bringing eDNA to the Streets project run out of the BIMS Institute, she and her team are transforming marginalized coastal communities into active participants in environmental science.
The importance of environmental DNA
Environmental DNA is the genetic material shed by organisms in their environment and captured in sediment, soil, water, or snow. Today, it is an invaluable tool in the study of marine biodiversity.
Scientists collect this genetic material in environmental samples, allowing them to detect the presence of species within an ecosystem with minimal environmental disruption. By analyzing eDNA, researchers can draw conclusions about biodiversity, population structures, migration patterns, and even the ecosystem’s health without disturbing the native organisms.
“Advances in eDNA metabarcoding technology are changing how we conduct marine conservation and research,” notes Dr. Gaynus. “The ways we used to learn about the environment, like underwater surveys and net trawls, can be labor-intensive, expensive, and disruptive to marine life. In comparison, eDNA is an efficient, cost-effective, and ecologically friendly alternative. It opens doors to the large-scale biodiversity assessments and long-term monitoring efforts that are critical in this day of rapid environmental change.”
How BIMS brings eDNA to the streets
Dr. Gaynus organizes community BioBlitz events, where residents engage in hands-on scientific exploration by collecting eDNA samples. At these events, local community members contribute to a growing database detailing coastal biodiversity. The dual focus is community engagement and educational outreach.
“We bring together community members and scientists in a shared mission of discovery and conservation,” Dr. Gaynus explains. “Volunteers from all kinds of backgrounds join to collect the environmental samples that can provide a snapshot of a region’s biodiversity. The BioBlitz generates valuable scientific data but also fosters a deeper connection between people and the marine ecosystems surrounding them.”
Marine science has historically been a field dominated by a small, exclusive group of researchers. Dr. Gaynus and BIMS are breaking down these barriers by encouraging participation from underrepresented groups, particularly Black and Indigenous communities.
During the BIMS Institute BioBlitz events, community members are not just mere spectators but active participants in scientific research. They are trained in sample collection techniques, educated about marine biodiversity, and empowered to contribute to ongoing conservation efforts. This hands-on involvement demystifies the scientific process and inspires a new generation of environmental stewards.
These events provide a sense of ownership and pride among community members as they become active custodians of their natural heritage. By increasing awareness and knowledge, communities are better equipped to advocate for sustainable practices and policies that protect their ecosystems.
What’s more, data collected during the BioBlitz is made public. Open datasets can be used by educators, policymakers, and other researchers to inform decision-making and inspire further study.
“Scientific research and community empowerment can go hand in hand,” Dr. Gaynus asserts. “The BIMS Institute BioBlitz events are not just about data collection; they are vehicles for education, collaboration, and meaningful change. By involving local participants in eDNA collection and analysis, we are changing perceptions about who can contribute to scientific knowledge.”
Dr. Gaynus’ work at BIMS leverages cutting-edge scientific techniques while respecting the centuries-old relationship between humans and the ocean. She finds that delicate balance at the intersection of technological advances and community involvement that taps into deeply rooted practices of communal stewardship and shared knowledge. Her approach takes scientific advancements outside the walls of academia and makes them accessible to those whose lives are intricately linked to marine ecosystems. It fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, turning them into guardians of their local environments.
“The collaboration between scientists and community members transforms data collection into a shared mission,” notes Dr. Gaynus. “We want to advance scientific knowledge and reinforce the notion that everyone has a role to play in environmental conservation. When we do this, we dismantle barriers in scientific research and create an inclusive community where diverse ideas flourish.”
BIMS Week eDNA think tank
In addition to her work on a local community level, Dr. Gaynus will address a global audience during this year’s BIMS week in San Diego, which takes place from December 1-7, 2024. Her first workshop will cover the importance of including communities in research. A panel of community leaders will discuss their own efforts, and then Dr. Gaynus will talk with participants about incorporating the practice into their own community initiatives.
The second session will highlight regulations on eDNA collection and the importance of standardizing the laboratory procedures needed to obtain data successfully. Participants will discuss what is working and what can be improved. The third and final session will cover how to present research results in an engaging way that reaches a diverse group of stakeholders. On Thursday, BIMS Week participants will suit up in SCUBA gear and join Dr. Gaynus for the week’s underwater BioBlitz.
Harnessing the power of environmental DNA has unlocked possibilities for biodiversity monitoring and conservation once thought unattainable. Under the leadership of Dr. Gaynus, the BIMS Institute demonstrates how innovative research can integrate seamlessly with community engagement. This year’s BIMS Week showcases how BioBlitzes are transforming local community members into empowered environmental stewards through initiatives that are nurturing connected, informed, and resilient coastal communities.
“As we face mounting environmental challenges, we must look toward models that promote collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity,” Dr. Gaynus concludes. “Only these endeavors will truly harness the power of environmental DNA and drive meaningful change.”
Be First to Comment