In the past, coral research has focused on radar and sonar mapping of the seafloor. With this kit, which is being used for the first time, biological samples can also be collected for analysis.

Currently on board the Okeanos Explorer’s Hohonu Moana, the compact kit can quickly extract tissues and preserve the sample’s DNA for analysis. This enables scientists to archive large amounts of the genetic material. Doing so can reveal important information about the evolutionary relationships amongst species.

Developed by OGL staff scientist Charlotte Seid and research technician David Stein, the kit project was led by research professor Daniel L. Distel.

Off-the-shelf kit

To extract the DNA material, the kit uses an off-the-shelf electronically-operated machine called a homogeniser that vigorously shakes three tubes filled with a liquid buffer and tiny beads that rub against the coral and scrap off the coral substance that contains the DNA.

Then, in early October, up to 162 tubes containing the collected DNA samples will be sent to the OGL and the Smithsonian Institution for analysis and confirmation of their species.

“The DNA identification reveals things you can’t see by eye,” said Seid.

She added, “Organisms that look similar may have actually evolved very differently or have subtle differences at a molecular level. That can tell us a lot about the changing environment and how species adapt.”