CALM DOWN. Environmental DNA for the detection and cataloguing of diversity in the Mar de las Calmas.

Pleamar program

All living beings leave traces of their genetic material in the environment they inhabit. These traces are called environmental DNA and their study is an accurate and non-invasive tool for the study of biodiversity. The CALMADNA project proposes to use environmental DNA in the waters of the Mar de Las Calmas, an exceptional marine space located south of the island of El Hierro, proposed as the first entirely marine National Park. There, the scientific team will carry out a coordinated environmental DNA sampling campaign, using a filtering system on board local fishing boats. This system will allow water to be filtered at different depths and collect environmental information in real time, generating an unprecedented database on the biodiversity of the area. In addition, sea sponges from previous campaigns will also be analysed, as these organisms act as natural DNA accumulators and allow access to deep communities that are difficult to study by traditional methods.

Once the samples are obtained, the DNA will be processed in the laboratory using massive sequencing techniques, which allow thousands of organisms to be identified from genetic fragments scattered in water or retained in sponges. With this data, species inventories and analyses of how marine communities are structured in different habitats and environmental conditions will be developed. The project also includes an ambitious communication plan: informative videos, workshops in El Hierro and an interactive web application so that anyone can explore the results in a visual and intuitive way.

Together, CALMADNA combines cutting-edge technology, local collaboration and open science to generate useful, accessible and directly applicable knowledge to the management of the future Mar de las Calmas National Park.

Project

Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

En ejecución

Location

Canary Islands

Research line

Axis 7. Knowledge of the Marine Environment

Execution date:

2026

End date:

2028

Project web page:

https://www.programapleamar.es/proyectos/calmadna-adn-ambiental-para-la-deteccion-y-catalogado-de-la-diversidad-en-el-mar-de-las

Objectives

The main objective of CALMADNA is to obtain an insight into the biodiversity present in the waters southwest of the island of El Hierro, an area proposed as the first entirely marine National Park in Spain. The project proposes to use environmental DNA – the remains of genetic material that living beings leave in the environment they inhabit – to obtain a list of the species that visit and live in the Mar de las Calmas, from bacteria to cetaceans. Using in-depth sampling from vessels in the fishing fleet, CALMADNA will obtain biodiversity measurements in a non-invasive and high-resolution mode.

It is also proposed to use the genetic remains that sponges, the great filterers of ocean waters, accumulate in their tissues, particularly in deep waters where traditional methods are not easily applicable.

The ultimate goal is to create the first continuous, non-invasive and high-resolution monitoring system of a marine national park in Spain. This will make it possible to detect which species live in the area, how they change over time and what conservation needs exist. CALMADNA also wants to bring science closer to El Hierro society through outreach activities, workshops and an interactive web application, in which anyone can explore the biodiversity of the future park. In doing so, the project will not only generate new knowledge, but will also help to better protect an exceptional natural space and strengthen the link between science, conservation and the local community.

Specific objectives:

OE1. To cement the collaboration between El Hierro society and the value of the biodiversity of the National Park.
OE2. Obtain environmental DNA samples and provide a list of the biodiversity detected.
OE3. Obtain samples of sponges and use them to describe deep communities.
OE4. Increase the reference database of the Mar de las Calmas.
OE5. To turn Las Calmas National Park into the first park monitored with environmental DNA.
OE6. Communicate the results to the scientific community.
OE7. Carry out a clear and open management of the funds granted.
OE8. Transfer the knowledge acquired to the competent authorities.

CALM DOWN. Environmental DNA for the detection and cataloguing of diversity in the Mar de las Calmas.

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