On a cloudy November morning at Fox Point Beach near Hubbards, Nova Scotia, a group of five individuals wades into the ocean while waves gently wash over their knees. They have gathered to receive training on how to gather water samples for analysis at a laboratory at Dalhousie University to track marine species. The Community-Oriented Coastal Observatory is seeking volunteers from across the province to assist in collecting these vital samples.
Krish Thapar, who traveled from Dartmouth to participate, attentively listens as PhD candidate Samantha Beal provides instructions on using the sampling equipment and preventing contamination. Thapar expressed his interest in volunteering for the project, intrigued by the opportunity it presented and his passion for local conservation initiatives.
Beal spearheads the initiative, bringing together community members to collect coastal water samples for subsequent analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect traces left behind by marine creatures. By filtering the water, the DNA shed by marine species during their natural movements can be isolated and studied for identification purposes.
The project led by Beal aims to enhance understanding of the marine species inhabiting Nova Scotia waters and their migration patterns. With rising ocean temperatures affecting species like lobsters, some marine animals are shifting northwards in search of cooler waters, a phenomenon Beal seeks to monitor closely.
Volunteers in various communities are equipped with sampling bags, filters, water-sampling tools, and comprehensive training by Beal to collect DNA samples from ocean water. Six groups spanning from Yarmouth to Louisburg are involved in the project, undergoing training sessions leading up to the new year to ensure they can independently collect samples and mail them for analysis.
The sampling schedule, set for March, July, and November each year, allows for monitoring seasonal migration patterns and trends in species observations. Beal emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring to establish a baseline and detect any shifts in species behavior over time.
Thapar appreciates the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts and enjoy outdoor activities with fellow volunteers in a serene ocean setting. Beal encourages more volunteers to join, particularly in areas like the Bay of Fundy, to expand the project’s reach and impact.
Beal’s project offers a unique opportunity for community involvement in tracking marine life using eDNA, paving the way for a deeper understanding of Nova Scotia’s marine ecosystem and the impacts of environmental changes on marine species.