Sequencing the Sea: How Environmental DNA Can Reveal an Ecosystem's Hidden Biodiversity
Oceans cover over 70% of our planet, representing 99% of its “living” space, and house a tremendous diversity of life. However, our oceans and their biodiversity are under increasing threat from rising temperatures, acidification, pollution, overharvesting and habitat loss. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a powerful approach for protecting and restoring marine ecosystems. International efforts to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 are underway, and innovative methods for assessing and monitoring biodiversity are crucial to the success of new and previously established MPAs. In this talk, learn how scientists at the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute are using cutting-edge genomic tools to assess marine biodiversity, from the smallest microbe to the largest whale, to measure the impact of these protective measures on fragile marine ecosystems.
Registration is required. Attendance to join in person is limited to 50 attendants, or attend online via Zoom. Please register to join in person or via Zoom at tinyurl.com/Sea-DNA.
Jennifer Polinski is a Senior Research Associate at the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI), with over a decade of experience applying cutting-edge genomics techniques to marine organisms and environments. She obtained her bachelor’s in biology and mathematics from Albion College, and a master’s in marine biology from Florida Atlantic University. Since joining GMGI in 2017, she has contributed to a wide range of research, including sequencing genomes of the American lobster and Jonah crab, uncovering patterns of aging and longevity in sea urchins, and using eDNA to assess whole ecosystem biodiversity. Polinski is an avid SCUBA diver, both recreationally and scientifically, and an amateur underwater photographer.
For the past thirteen years, Underwater in Salem Sound has been jointly sponsored by Salem Sound Coastwatch and Abbot Public Library. All the lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.salemsound.org.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Abbot Public Library.
Photo: Jennifer Polinski, Courtesy of Salem Sound Coastwatch
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2871004-0
