The Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) is seeking volunteers for a community science project that aims to learn more about the marine organisms living along our coast through environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. Participation is easy, requires no training, and only takes a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participants and others interested are also encouraged come to Monmouth on July 14 for a workshop where the results of the findings will be presented. Food and refreshments will be served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participating community scientists will collect samples of ocean waters, bays, and brackish areas of rivers from the Manasquan Inlet to the Raritan Bayshore in Monmouth County. Sampling involves filling a bottle with the water, placing it on ice, and freezing it until it can be collected by Monmouth researchers. Bottles and coolers will be provided by the UCI. Volunteers can choose any site they\u2019d like to sample and only need to collect one sample for the study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The samples will then be analyzed in a lab for eDNA, trace genetic materials floating in the water that can indicate the recent presence of marine life ranging from sharks to microscopic bacteria. The data will build upon a collection effort that began in the fall<\/a>, which found detections for at least 68 fish species in the county\u2019s ocean and estuarine waters. The new data will help develop a baseline understanding of the species living in our waters in the warmer summer months that can be compared to future results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n