USGS Scientist samples eDNA from deep-sea water

In April, USGS scientist Alexis Weinnig and other scientists collected eDNA during a deep-sea exploration aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explore as part of the NOAA Ocean Exploration expedition, EX2301. During the trip, a Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) collected water that was filtered on board the ship for eDNA left in the water by nearby organisms. This information will help scientists assess what organisms might be in the surrounding area even if they aren’t captured on camera by the ROV.  

By collecting the eDNA, scientists can make biodiversity assessments that are vital to gaining a better understanding of the region and the ecosystem of animals that call different areas of the ocean floor home.