Analyzing Seawater for New Insights into Marine Predators: Morigenos Society Successful in ARIS Call

Morigenos has secured a new research project under the public call of the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS), titled “eDiNA: Environmental DNA for Individual and Population Level Monitoring of a Marine Top Predator.”
About the Project
The aim of the project is to investigate the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for non-invasive genetic sampling of marine predators, particularly whales and dolphins. Traditional methods of acquiring genetic data at sea are challenging, as they are either invasive or limited to samples from deceased individuals. Instead, the project proposes the analysis of seawater samples containing animal DNA, representing a less intrusive method for studying these elusive species.
Objectives and expected outcomes
The research will focus on developing methods for isolating sufficient quantities and quality of DNA from individual organisms directly from seawater samples. Through this project we aim to:
    • improve the capacity for representative sampling of marine predators in the wild;
    • collect data essential for their management and conservation;
    • gain a better understanding of how global climate change affects these species.
The expected results will provide new insights into the genetic composition, population structure, connectivity, and demography of marine apex predators.
Research team
The project is led by the president of Morigenos, Dr Tilen Genov, and is carried out in collaboration with the Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. The research team therefore brings together experts in molecular genetics, ecology, and conservation biology.
New knowledge for more effective marine conservation
The eDiNA project will enable the development of advanced methods to obtain key information about marine predators without disturbing the animals. Such knowledge is essential for their long-term conservation and for improving our understanding of the impacts of changes in the marine environment on these species.