November 25, 2024
From the depths of the ocean to our pristine mountain streams, every drop of water teems with life – a complex ecosystem of organisms seen and unseen.
Genomics is providing scientists with an unprecedented view into these aquatic worlds and opening doors to new ways to improve fisheries, enhance conservation and monitor water for quality and pathogens with unprecedented precision. Genome BC is supporting projects that are transforming how we manage marine resources and protect public health.
Genomic Advances in Sustainable Fisheries
The decline of Pacific salmon populations has raised concerns about their future. One crucial piece of information that conservation managers require is abundance – the number of fish in a river at any one time.
The traditional method for determining abundance involves using a fish fence and counting the fish one-by-one, a process that is often costly, subjective, weather-dependent and time-consuming.
Genome BC-funded research has led to the development of an innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) method that can potentially offer a lower cost and more efficient way to estimate the number of species in rivers with more than 100 salmon migrating daily.
Under this new method, scientists and conservation managers collect water samples of eDNA, the genetic material shed by organisms into their environment. Analysis of the samples can estimate abundance more efficiently and affordably and provide other crucial information for effective conservation and management strategies.
This important step forward highlights the potential of eDNA to improve monitoring and management of a treasured natural resource.
The use of eDNA and genomics extends beyond salmon. A Genome BC-funded project has developed the NAMERS database, a library of DNA sequences for freshwater fish species in BC. This database makes it possible to confidently use eDNA to identify and track freshwater fish, assess the health of aquatic ecosystems, track invasive species and inform conservation efforts.
Using Genomics to Combat Seafood-Borne Illness
Other projects are developing ways to use genomics to monitor and survey marine environments with significant public health benefits.
A trio of projects in partnership with public health officials and BC’s shellfish industry are increasing our understanding of what is causing outbreaks of norovirus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria in oysters and other shellfish. This is critical information for BC’s shellfish industry, which frequently faces costly, prolonged closures due to outbreaks of these pathogens that can cause illness in people who eat contaminated products. These projects are improving monitoring, testing and helping to pinpoint the source of outbreaks so that the problem can be addressed and producers can get back in business.
From Sewage to Solutions – Genomic Surveillance in Water
In the realm of water quality and surveillance, genomics is providing valuable insights and solutions for protecting public health. For example, researchers are leveraging genomics to develop rapid eDNA-based monitoring tools to optimize wastewater treatment processes. These tools offer the potential to improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants, reduce operational costs and enhance water quality.
Staying in the sewers, The SAFEGUARD initiative aims to transform monitoring for viruses and other pathogens in British Columbia by testing wastewater. Traditionally, monitoring the level of infections within a community has relied on individually testing people who are sick, a method that is expensive and only captures data from people seeking medical care. Analyzing wastewater samples promises to be a valuable early warning system for potential outbreaks and can be used to inform public health decision-making.
As we navigate towards a more sustainable and healthy relationship with our aquatic environments, Genome BC and our partners’ collaborative efforts are casting a wide net, catching innovative solutions for managing aquatic resources and water monitoring that will benefit both people and the planet.
This article appears in Genome BC’s 2023/24 Annual Report. View the whole report here.
