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<p>Here, we present the potential of genetic non-invasive sampling within a citizen science framework using commercial whale-watching boats. We collected various non-invasive samples, including sloughed skin, faeces, and blow samples. Considering the body size and intensity of exhalation, blows generate a sufficient amount of genetic material to enable individual sampling, identification, and population genetic analyses. For the first time, exhale samples of southern right whales were collected from a commercial vessel and used for DNA amplification. We compared the DNA yield and genotyping success of mitochondrial sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers from blow samples to other non-invasive and minimally invasive sampling methods. Blow samples typically contain very small amounts of cells and possibly fragmented DNA, resulting in relatively low target DNA yield. After PCR optimisation, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was sequenced in 37.5% of blow samples, and a minimum of six microsatellites were successfully amplified in 25% of blow samples. This study highlights the potential for cetaceans, iconic subjects of conservation biology, to serve as a future model in utilising citizen science and airborne DNA for population monitoring, addressing the unique challenges of the marine environment.</p>

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From blow to DNA: citizen science advancing genetic research on southern right whales

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月24日

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  • Petra Neveceralova,
  • Vladimir Soukup,
  • Jan Stundl,
  • Jason Keith Stafford,
  • Pavel Hulva

摘要

Here, we present the potential of genetic non-invasive sampling within a citizen science framework using commercial whale-watching boats. We collected various non-invasive samples, including sloughed skin, faeces, and blow samples. Considering the body size and intensity of exhalation, blows generate a sufficient amount of genetic material to enable individual sampling, identification, and population genetic analyses. For the first time, exhale samples of southern right whales were collected from a commercial vessel and used for DNA amplification. We compared the DNA yield and genotyping success of mitochondrial sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers from blow samples to other non-invasive and minimally invasive sampling methods. Blow samples typically contain very small amounts of cells and possibly fragmented DNA, resulting in relatively low target DNA yield. After PCR optimisation, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was sequenced in 37.5% of blow samples, and a minimum of six microsatellites were successfully amplified in 25% of blow samples. This study highlights the potential for cetaceans, iconic subjects of conservation biology, to serve as a future model in utilising citizen science and airborne DNA for population monitoring, addressing the unique challenges of the marine environment.