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Thesis
Utilizing Environmental Dna Metabarcoding to Inventory Cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico
University of West Florida Libraries
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2022
Abstract
Based on data compiled by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, 29% of marine mammal species are under threat of extinction (listed as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable) from multiple anthropogenic factors, and 8.5% of the species are listed as data deficient. To counter these numbers, multiple methods of data collection (aerial and ship-based surveys, passive acoustic monitoring, etc.) have been employed to assess species and population stocks of marine mammals to inform on the implementation of conservation and management strategies. However, these conventional methods can be expensive, time consuming, invasive, and superficial. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding could potentially be used as a tool to complement these conventional techniques through the alleviation of these limitations. The species of marine mammals that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico (in the order Cetacea) are ideal candidates for eDNA metabarcoding due to their wide distribution, similar external morphology, and cryptic and elusive behavior. In this study, eDNA metabarcoding was used to inventory the species diversity of cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico. Of the sixty-three sites sampled, five sites yielded a detection of cetacean eDNA. At four sites, cetacean taxa were identified to the subfamily level of Delphininae, while at the one remaining site, cetacean taxa were identified to the species level of Stenella frontalis. In terms of future studies, sites should be included that encompass the entire latitudinal, longitudinal, and depth range of the Gulf of Mexico. Also, primers should be developed that target a locus of the mitochondrial genome with high resolution regarding species differentiation within the Cetacea order, specifically within the subfamily Delphininae. Additionally, the filtration eDNA collection method should be utilized to facilitate retention of the largest possible amount of eDNA per sample, increasing the detection sensitivity of the eDNA assay.
Details
- Title
- Utilizing Environmental Dna Metabarcoding to Inventory Cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Alexis M. Janosik (Advisor)Susan E. Piacenza (Committee Member)Wade H. Jeffrey (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 42
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries to digitize and/or display this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires the permission of the copyright holder.
- Identifiers
- 99380151596206600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida