Researchers Can Trace DNA of Fish And Marine Mammals By Sampling Seawater

[n2doc]

A half liter of seawater can contain evidence of local fish and whale faunas and combat traditional fishing methods, says a new study from the University of Copenhagen. Researchers there have created a new way for monitoring marine biodiversity and resources by using DNA traces in seawater samples.

The results of this study are now published in the journal PLoS ONE.

“The new DNA-method means that we can keep better track of life beneath the surface of the oceans around the world, and better monitor and protect ocean biodiversity and resources,” says PhD student Philip Francis Thomsen from the Centre for GeoGenetics.

Globally, marine ecosystems are threatened by human over-exploitation. This affects global biodiversity, economy and human health. Surveying fish populations today, though, is done through selective and invasive methods mostly limited to commercial species and restricted to areas with favorable conditions.

The research team at Centre for GeoGenetics is now leading the way for future monitoring by showing that seawater contains DNA from animals such as fish and whales. The species leave behind a trace of DNA that reveals their presence in the ocean based on water samples of just half a liter.


more
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112685262/dna-seawater-fish-083112/

[eppur_se_muova]

1. I would think prey species might be over-represented --

since they're often torn apart by predators, leaving lots of debris. Top predators keep themselves intact a little better, and might not show up, although the appearance of porpoise DNA is encouraging.

Blood, of course, contains DNA, so predators might show up if injured.