Metabarcoding is a novel technique currently being developed that incorporates next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to allow rapid and accurate DNA-based species identification. The objectives of the BMAP Aquatics Communities Protocol are to establish baseline invertebrate and fish diversity in streams located between Prince George and Kitimat, determine community structure and food-web dynamics, and investigate potential changes related to construction of a natural gas pipeline.  Methods include traditional morphological identification of fish and invertebrates as well as a modern molecular method of species identification known as DNA barcoding.  In addition, novel metabarcoding techniques are being developed that will allow identification of fish and invertebrate taxa present in study streams using environmental DNA (eDNA) present in stream water samples and ethanol used to preserve invertebrate specimens, as well as in the stomachs of fish for diet analysis studies.  These projects have the potential to contribute far greater resolution and understanding of fish diets, community composition and food-web dynamics in freshwater streams than is possible using morphological methods alone. Preliminary results of morphological and molecular species identifications will be presented.

Past NRESi colloquia and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.