e-DNA sampling for non-indigenous species in the port of Kolona

Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research), School of Biology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Kolona Port (and in the vicinity of), 23 October 2024

Last October, the ‘e-DNA sampling for non-indigenous species (i) in the port of Kolona (Old Town, Rhodes) and (ii) outside of the port; north of the Naillac Tower’ event took place in Greece. During this citizen science event, a group of 18 students from the 2nd Experimental School of Rhodes attended the introductory lecture on biodiversity loss, the BGE programme, IAS and eDNA. Their specific task was to filter seawater at Kolona Port, a very busy port used by fishing and commercial vessels in Dodecanese (South Aegean, Greece), to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) and assist in identifying invasive marine species.

Overview of the event 

The event offered participants an in-depth exploration of biodiversity and its importance. It started with an overview of the BGE project’s objectives, highlighting the crucial role of biodiversity preservation in sustaining ecosystem balance and services. Students were made aware of the urgent threat to biodiversity, which is facing an unprecedented crisis due to various human activities. To tackle this pressing challenge, there is a need to expand and accelerate biodiversity research by gathering extensive data across Europe and creating robust reference libraries to support future biodiversity studies. 

The students recognized the critical importance of their involvement as citizen scientists in this initiative. Their specific task was to filter seawater at Kolona Port, a very busy port used by fishing and commercial vessels in Dodecanese (South Aegean, Greece), to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) and assist in identifying invasive marine species. Equipped with a sampling kit, detailed written instructions, and an instructional video, they learned how to carry out the sampling process. Additionally, they had the opportunity of watching live invasive species, such as the Blue-spotted Cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii) and the Indian Lionfish (Pterois miles) in the harbour waters. To further enhance their understanding, they participated in a DNA game, where they had to identify a list of very common marine IAS via their actual DNA Barcodes, i.e. a wire filled with coloured recycled bottle caps (see image), which simplified the concept of DNA barcoding for them.

Students participating in the DNA game, where they had to identify a list of very common marine IAS via their actual DNA Barcodes, i.e. a wire filled with coloured recycled bottle caps. Photo by: BGE


Goals

  1. Overview of the global biodiversity crisis: Participants were given a brief update on the current state of biodiversity loss and why traditional identification methods, while valuable, often fall short in addressing the growing crisis. The potential of DNA-based tools to offer more effective solutions was also introduced.
  2. Impact of non-indigenous species (NIS) on biodiversity: Attendees learned how the spread of non-native species to new regions, far from their natural habitats, is a major human-driven factor threatening ecosystems and their biodiversity. Several examples of marine non-indigenous species found in Greek waters were showcased using information material from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research.
  3. Emphasizing the importance of biodiversity research and BGE objectives: Key objectives of the BGE project were outlined, designed to tackle the urgent challenge of biodiversity loss through innovative research and data collection.
  4. Explanation of eDNA sampling methods: Participants were introduced to the eDNA sampling process used in the field, including familiarization with the sampling kit, equipment, and necessary precautions to prevent contamination.
  5. Technical insights into biodiversity research: The session provided an overview of the technical aspects of biodiversity studies, stressing the importance of precise metadata collection during citizen-science efforts.

Content

09.00 Arrival at the venue location (Kolona Port) and preparation of the equipment
09.10 Arrival of the student groups
09.15 Introductory talks to (i) Biodiversity loss and BGE, (ii) Biological invasions and marine IAS, (iii) eDNA technology by K. Kalaentzis (AUTh/HCMR), P. Louizidou (HCMR) and G. Kondylatos (HCMR)
09.50 e-DNA sampling in the port of Kolona by student group A
10.40  e-DNA sampling outside of the port of Kolona by student group B
11.30 Demonstration of conducting pH, O2 concentration, conductivity and temperature measurements by D. Mavrouleas (HCMR)
12.10 Demonstration of R/V ALKYON of HCMR which is stationed in Kolona Port, and its operation, by the captain M. Moschidis (HCMR)
12.45 DNA game
13.15  Departure

Feedback summary
The students displayed immense curiosity about the process, experiencing it for the first time. They participated in captivating discussions, but most significantly, they recognized the crucial role citizens play in helping us develop the map of European biodiversity.

Header: Introductory talk on BGE, IAS and eDNA by PhD student of Biology AUTh, K. Kalaentzis and research personnel of the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes. Images by: BGE