10054064Real-time molecular biodiversity monitoring of the marine water columnClosedCR&D BilateralISCFThis project aims to develop a deployable instrument for use by marine biodiversity assessors to quantitatively measure eDNA obtained from marine water samples. The instrument uses automatic real-time sample collection and molecular techniques to perform the analysis of those samples to provide an observation of the biodiversity of that sample(s). The instrument is designed to be mounted on a manned or unmanned craft such that surveys can automatically take place. The output from the instrument is the identification and abundance quantification of a range of species on the micro and macro level scale, for example, bacteria, fish, and larger mammals. This forms an end-to-end marine biodiversity observation and assessment tool. The marine biodiversity assessment quantifies the fine balance between species. This technology will not only increase marine water sample yield, reduce sample processing time, improve accuracy the robustness of data and allow real-time data analysis, but will reduce the environmental impact of marine biodiversity assessments by reducing the number of samples shipped by road to central laboratories and reduce the emissions by unnecessary large craft movements. The proposed development of this technology comes at a timely manner as the UK government is undertaking the "UK Marine Strategy" which will help restore the health of UK waters, contributes to the government's targets on biodiversity and build "Good Environmental Status" in our seas. The plan will be a crucial part of JNCC's efforts to improve the biodiversity of marine waters and halt the decline of endangered species and recognises that well-managed waters can result in increased biodiversity, improved water quality and reduced carbon emissions".