On a cloudy morning in November at Fox Point Beach near Hubbards, Nova Scotia, a group of five individuals wade into the ocean while gentle waves brush against their knees. Their mission is to acquire water samples for analysis at a laboratory at Dalhousie University to track marine species. The Community-Oriented Coastal Observatory is seeking volunteers to assist in collecting samples from various locations across the province.
Krish Thapar, who traveled from Dartmouth, expressed interest in participating as a volunteer. Equipped with sampling instructions from PhD candidate Samantha Beal, Thapar was keen to learn more about the project and contribute to local conservation initiatives. Beal spearheads the initiative, which involves community members collaborating to gather coastal water samples for eDNA analysis to detect traces left by marine species.
The project led by Beal aims to enhance knowledge about the marine species inhabiting Nova Scotia waters and their migration patterns. As ocean temperatures increase, certain species such as lobsters are being impacted, prompting some marine animals to migrate north in search of cooler waters, a phenomenon Beal is monitoring closely.
Beal provides volunteer groups in various communities with sampling tools to collect DNA from ocean water. With six groups spanning from Yarmouth to Louisburg, she is training them in preparation for collecting samples independently and sending them to her. The objective is to obtain samples thrice annually – in March, July, and November – to observe seasonal migration trends and establish a baseline for species observations.
Thapar, motivated by his passion for conservation, finds volunteering with the group an opportunity to engage with nature and connect with like-minded individuals. Beal encourages more volunteers to join, particularly in regions like the Bay of Fundy, to bolster their efforts in monitoring marine life through eDNA sampling.