Assessment of dominant marine coastal species and non-indigenous species with eDNA
Edgeøya is located in the southeast of Svalbard and still relatively isolated from warmer currents that travel north along the west coast. However, warmer currents may eventually reach this area and shipping activities are already increasing, holding the potential of introducing new species. Both warming and new species may impact local marine biodiversity. Information on coastal marine biodiversity and presence of non-indigenous species in Storfjorden is limited. During the SEES2020 expedition marine samples will be collected at Kapp Lee to describe the coastal marine system using novel eDNA and traditional identification methods. This will act as baseline for future changes.
Together with Hans Verdaat.
Changes in coastal communities with eDNA and visual methods
Edgeøya is located in the southeast of Svalbard and still relatively isolated from warmer currents that travel north along the west coast. However, warmer currents may eventually reach this area and shipping activities are already increasing, holding the potential of introducing new species. Both warming and new species may impact local marine biodiversity. Information on coastal marine biodiversity and presence of non-indigenous species in Storfjorden is limited. During the SEES2020 expedition marine samples will be collected at Kapp Lee to describe the coastal marine system using novel eDNA and traditional identification methods. This will act as baseline for future changes.
The project was designed by Paul Renaud, who could not participate in 2022 and introduced Emilia Sztybor to replace him. Together with Emilia Sztybor.
The Arctic Marine Litter Project - Sources, causes and solutions
Even in the sparsely populated Arctic, the shorelines are littered with plastic waste. These plastics pose a direct threat to wildlife in the region. However, little is known about the origin and underlying causes, which prevents stakeholders in taking action. Through the Arctic Marine Litter project, we support stakeholders in providing previously unavailable knowledge using a new technique. During SEES2020, we will actively engage with passengers by inviting them to collect and analyse beach litter with us and by providing lectures on board the Ortelius. The results will be communicated in reports, social media and at international meetings and conferences.
Together with Eelco Leemans.
eDNA: analysing spatial and temporal variation in marine predators
In marine environments, prey-predator relationships remain obscured and recording of spatial or temporal variation in either group requires considerable effort. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in this study we will record on the one hand direct predation, by analysing scat samples of walruses. Additionally, possible changes over time by comparing scat samples collected in 2020 to samples collected in 2015. On the other hand, by recording environmental DNA (eDNA) throughout the expedition, we will record presence of both the predators (including other marine animals) and their prey.
Together with Sophie Brasseur.
