Molecular-based method for the quantification of in situ crown-of-thorns starfish settlement rates (Old ID 27772)
Role
Principal Investigator
Description
This research will develop and validate an innovative protocol for the quantification of in situ crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) settlement rates. DNA spiked samples will be analysed using two different DNA extraction methods and droplet digital PCR to determine relative method performance and sub-sampling requirements. Analyses of control samples collected outside the reproductive season may provide additional method validation by ruling out sample contamination by waterborne DNA originating from adult COTS. This work will facilitate future research to resolve critical information gaps and improve the ecological underpinning of COTS management.
Date
13 May 2022 - 13 May 2023
Project Type
GRANT
Keywords
Molecular Ecology;eDNA;Larval Settlement;ddPCR;Coral Reefs;Crown of thorns starfish
Funding Body
Australian Coral Reef Society
Amount
2500
Project Team
Morgan Pratchett