Molecular Lab Launch

Earlier this year, our research team added an important new capacity: an onsite molecular laboratory. The lab, overseen by Senior Scientist Dr. Graham Sherwood and operated by Research Associate Samantha Bengs, now processes environmental DNA (eDNA) samples as part of our ecosystem monitoring work.

As fish swim, they shed bits of scales and skin, leaving behind traces of DNA in the water. For the past few field seasons, our scientists have collected samples — a few liters of seawater each — as part of our Casco Bay Aquatic System Survey. Now, we’re equipped to process these samples in our own lab, using the eDNA contained within to understand the presence and abundance of countless organisms. Each bottle of water tells scientists a story about the species in the water in that location at that time.

Some species are better than others at eluding the traditional trawl samples that eventually inform the catch limits set by fisheries managers. This new sampling technique and processing ability fills important gaps for scientists when more common techniques fall short.

Already, Dr. Sherwood and his colleagues have partnered with local fishermen to combine eDNA sampling with camera systems other methods to find otherwise difficult-to-sample species. These new techniques have the potential to improve outcomes for both the ecosystem and for fishermen.