Five individuals enter the ocean at Fox Point Beach near Hubbards, N.S. on a dreary November morning with waves gently touching their knees. Their purpose is to gather water samples for subsequent analysis at a Dalhousie University lab to track marine species. The Community-Oriented Coastal Observatory is seeking volunteers like them from across the province to assist in this endeavor.
One of the volunteers, Krish Thapar, made the trip from Dartmouth to participate in the activity. He engaged with PhD candidate Samantha Beal, learning the techniques for collecting samples and preventing contamination.
This initiative, led by Beal, involves community collaboration to collect coastal water samples for eDNA analysis, which detects genetic traces left by marine creatures. Beal explained the process of filtering water to trap DNA shed by marine species through their natural movements.
The main goal of Beal’s project is to enhance knowledge about the marine species residing in Nova Scotia waters and their migration patterns. Changing ocean temperatures impact species like lobsters, causing some to move towards colder waters, a phenomenon Beal aims to monitor.
The Community-Oriented Coastal Observatory trains volunteers how to collect environmental DNA from the ocean. This could help researchers identify what species are in the water. The CBC’s Giuliana Grillo has the story.
Beal equips volunteer groups in various communities across the province with the necessary tools for collecting DNA lurking in ocean water, from sampling bags to filters and water-sampling devices. These groups span from Yarmouth to Louisburg, and Beal is currently training them to independently collect samples and send them for analysis.
The plan is to conduct sampling thrice a year, in March, July, and November, to track seasonal migration patterns of marine species. Beal anticipates that continuous monitoring will establish a baseline and reveal any trends in species observations.
Thapar finds fulfillment in volunteering due to his interest in conservation and the opportunity to connect with nature and others. According to him, the ocean’s sounds and scents provide a serene backdrop for such activities.
Beal is still seeking volunteers in certain regions, like the Bay of Fundy, emphasizing the importance of more volunteers for the project’s success.
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