Research Projects

The Integrated Coastal Observatory is a network of community scientists collecting monthly environmental DNA samples to study fish biodiversity. This amazing group of partners includes First Nations, Citizen scientists, governmental researchers, and NGOs. All data can be explored using the ICO web tool.

Environmental DNA provides an ideal early-warning-system for tracking invasive species. We are using eDNA to monitor the spread of European green crab in BC. 

The Sentinels of Change project is an NSERC-funded collaboration between scientists from the Hakai Institute and UBC. We are using multidisciplinary and multi-trophic approaches to study marine biodiversity.

The Pacific eDNA Coastal Observaotry is a Network of scientists collecting environmental DNA samples along the coast of North America from Alaska to Southern California.

DNA barcoding is an important tool for monitoring biodiversity and discovering new species. We use DNA barcoding across all of our research projects to better understand marine biodiversity.

We used a combination of photography, microscopy, and genetics to survey marine zooplankton diversity through time. Please check out this iNaturalist project for some amazing photos. 

Seaweeds are amazing and under-studied creatures. Through ongoing collaborations with Patrick Martone and Sandra Lindstrom (UBC) we are using DNA barcoding to learn more about seaweed diversity and taxonomy. 

Population genetics can provide information about the diversity, origin, and movement of species across a landscape. I have used population genetics tools to study hazelnut, seagrass, and salmon. 

In 2024 the Hakai Institute coordinated a three-week-long Bioblitz in marine and terrestrial habitats around Quadra Island, BC. 

Check out the iNaturalist Page to view some of the amazing diversity we catalogued. 

The Nature Files is a web series was created to highlight some of the ways that we have used environmental DNA to study marine biodiversity.