Whales leave DNA in the Ocean

Research scientists at the University of Iceland’s Research Centre in Húsavík are currently developing an innovative approach in whale research based on environmental DNA or eDNA. The scientists collect samples from the ocean in places where humpback whales have dived just before. 

They sail out to Skjálfandafljót either on a University of Iceland boat or with Whale Watching vessels from Húsavík to collect the samples. 

The samples contain micro-organisms and DNA molecules left behind by the whales, for instance, from their skin, mucus, or faeces. The intention is thus to examine whether it will be possible to analyse complex factors from the resulting data, including the whale's life cycle and individual characteristics.  The new method makes it possible to gather data without disturbing the whales in any way other than being near the area where they dived.

Samples in Skjálfandi Bay have been gathered directly from fluke prints; the circular surface marks created when a humpback whale strikes the water with its tail just before a dive. The DNA left in the water is simply collected by taking water from the sea in a bucket. The water is then filtered with special equipment leaving the DNA molecules behind. They are then analysed in a laboratory on land. 

The UI Research Centre in Húsavík is taking part in eWHALE, a European collaborative project dedicated to developing methods for the monitoring of whale populations and other marine mammals. The work involves taking samples at different depths in the sea and connects cutting-edge genetic technology with conventional research methods like photo-identification and acoustic monitoring.

The method revolutionises whale research; the whales are studied without interference, and the researchers, led by Marianne, have a new, more sustainable way to gather detailed genetic information.

The video below gives further information on the research.