Gulf of Orosei BioMap Project Week 2 10/12-10/19

$400.00

The Marine Genome Project is a groundbreaking scientific organization dedicated to discovering and protecting the biodiversity of our blue planet through the use of genetic tools. Through genetics we can better understand how life has adapted to live on our planet, how we can protect species from devastating diseases and learn how we might better be able to communicate the needs of our ocean to the rest of the planet.

Researchers in this project will use a verity of techniques to collect DNA samples from various cave systems throughout Sardinia, Italy. Through analysis of the genetic data, we strive to discover new species, gain insights into how these ecosystems function, and develop accessible tools to protect these fragile environments.

You can help us collect invaluable information about the underwater cave systems covering Sardinia, Italy. You never know, you might even help us discover a new species. The Marine Genome Project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions, uniting experts from diverse fields to collectively advance our understanding of marine life.

Project Itinerary:

October 12th: Lectures Series (Importance of Life in Underwater Cave Systems), (Introduction to Scientific Cave Diving Techniques and Tools), (Introduction to the Scientific Method and Ethics in Research). Land drills with surveying equipment. Check out dives with surveying equipment.

October 13th: Two Survey Dives of Bue Marino. Quadrant and roving population survey. Record data, prepare BRUV for the second day. Optional Lecture (Introduction to Biology and Ecology of Extreme Environments).

October 14th: Dive one Set up BRUV in Bue Marino. Dive Two conduct a quadrant and roving population survey in Cala Luna. Optional afternoon Lecture (Fundamentals of Lab Safety and Equipment Use)

October 15th: Dive one (collect specimen vouchers from Bue Marino, and set up passive eDNA collection devices). Dive Two conduct quadrant and roving population survey in Cala Luna. Afternoon: Process voucher specimens collected.

October 16th: Dive one (collect specimen vouchers from Cala Luna, and set up passive eDNA collection devices). Dive Two clean up BRUV in Bue Marino. Afternoon: Process voucher specimens collected.

October 17th: Dive one clean up eDNA collection devices in Cala Luna, and conduct a stereo photo survey. Dive two set up BRUV in Cala Luna. Afternoon: Process eDNA collection devices

October 18th: Dive one clean up passive eDNA devices from Bue Marino. Dive two conduct a stereo photo survey in Bue Marino. Afternoon: Process eDNA collection devices

October 19th: Dive one clean up BRUV in Cala Luna. Afternoon: Process and start sequencing collected DNA. Finish with team meeting discussing project results.

Participation pre-requisite: at least GUE Cave 1 or similar cave training from an recognized training agency

Each diver must provide diving accident insurance prior to attending

What’s Included:

  • Instruction to scientific cave diving techniques focusing on (eDNA collection, species sampling, BRUV set up, transect line surveying, and quadrant surveying)

  • Instruction course on the basics of lab techniques

  • Lecture series on: (Importance of Life in Underwater Cave Systems, Introduction to Scientific Cave Diving Techniques and Tools, Introduction to the Scientific Method and Ethics in research)

  • Scientific equipment and materials needed to collect genetic information

  • MGP Scientific Diving Team t-shirt

What’s Not Included:

  • Scuba Equipment Rentals

  • Housing

  • Transportion

  • Boat and Shop Costs

  • Gas Fills

  • Airfare

  • Food & Drink

  • Diving Accident Insurance

Quantity:
Add To Cart