2025Journal Article
Seasonal eDNA metabarcoding reveals nursery function of temperate estuaries
Clarke H., Okafor S.
Environmental DNA, 7, e512
Healthy ecosystems, healthy fisheries
Aquatic Ecology & Conservation
Monitoring fish populations and habitats with eDNA, acoustic telemetry and field surveys to inform conservation and stock management.
Monitoring fish populations and habitats with eDNA, acoustic telemetry and field surveys to inform conservation and stock management.
Research questions
- Which mechanisms drive performance and welfare in this area?
- How can new methods be scaled to commercial farms and fisheries?
- What are the environmental and economic trade-offs?
Approach
We combine controlled tank experiments in our wet-lab facility with field sampling, molecular analyses and data science. Students work closely with industry partners and government fisheries agencies so that results reach practice.
Our goal is science that makes aquatic food systems more productive, resilient and fair.
Equipment & facilities
Real-time PCR & Sequencing Lab
qPCR systems and a benchtop sequencer for pathogen detection, eDNA and gene-expression studies.
Research Vessel Access
Shared access to the faculty's 18 m coastal research vessel for trawl, plankton and acoustic surveys.