Environmental DNA reveals seasonal shifts and potential interactions in a marine community

Anni Djurhuus (), Collin J. Closek (), Ryan P. Kelly, Kathleen J. Pitz, Reiko P. Michisaki, Hilary A. Starks, Kristine R. Walz, Elizabeth A. Andruszkiewicz, Emily Olesin, Katherine Hubbard, Enrique Montes, Daniel Otis, Frank E. Muller-Karger, Francisco P. Chavez, Alexandria B. Boehm and Mya Breitbart ()
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Anni Djurhuus: University of South Florida, College of Marine Science
Collin J. Closek: Stanford University
Ryan P. Kelly: University of Washington, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs
Kathleen J. Pitz: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Reiko P. Michisaki: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Hilary A. Starks: Stanford University
Kristine R. Walz: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Elizabeth A. Andruszkiewicz: Stanford University
Emily Olesin: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Conservation—Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Katherine Hubbard: Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Conservation—Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
Enrique Montes: University of South Florida, College of Marine Science
Daniel Otis: University of South Florida, College of Marine Science
Frank E. Muller-Karger: University of South Florida, College of Marine Science
Francisco P. Chavez: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Alexandria B. Boehm: Stanford University
Mya Breitbart: University of South Florida, College of Marine Science

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis allows the simultaneous examination of organisms across multiple trophic levels and domains of life, providing critical information about the complex biotic interactions related to ecosystem change. Here we used multilocus amplicon sequencing of eDNA to survey biodiversity from an eighteen-month (2015–2016) time-series of seawater samples from Monterey Bay, California. The resulting dataset encompasses 663 taxonomic groups (at Family or higher taxonomic rank) ranging from microorganisms to mammals. We inferred changes in the composition of communities, revealing putative interactions among taxa and identifying correlations between these communities and environmental properties over time. Community network analysis provided evidence of expected predator-prey relationships, trophic linkages, and seasonal shifts across all domains of life. We conclude that eDNA-based analyses can provide detailed information about marine ecosystem dynamics and identify sensitive biological indicators that can suggest ecosystem changes and inform conservation strategies.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14105-1

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