Environmental DNA metabarcoding and citizen science for fish (ichthyo and chondrofauna) surveys and conservation in marine protected areas of the State of São Paulo

• Grant number: 25/22127-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Rodrigues Domingues
• Grantee: Isabelle Nakaima
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/10201-0 - Marine biodiversity: An exploration of São Paulo coastal islands using environmental DNA metabarcoding, AP.BTA.JP

Abstract

The accelerated loss of marine biodiversity, severely impacted by anthropogenic pressures, demands effective strategies for monitoring and conserving biological diversity across different ecosystems. In recent years, biodiversity monitoring has adopted new technologies that employ molecular tools and citizen participation in the knowledge-building process. Accordingly, this study proposes a comprehensive survey of the diversity of bony and cartilaginous fishes (ichthyofauna and chondrichthyan fauna) in the coastal islands of the State of São Paulo, to compare marine protected areas in terms of local biodiversity. To achieve this, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding techniques and citizen science will be applied. For the eDNA approach, water samples were collected around four coastal islands of São Paulo: the Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge (RVSAA), Laje de Santos Marine State Park (PEMLS), Queimada Grande Island (QG), and Búzios Island, São Sebastião (IBSB). These samples will be sequenced using the 12S molecular marker to study the composition and structuring factors of the ichthyofauna and chondrichthyan fauna. In addition, the role of RVSAA as a nursery for fish species will be assessed through the identification of larvae via metabarcoding. For the citizen science component, which will focus on PEMLS, a project will be developed to engage recreational divers and diving instructors in collecting and surveying data on ichthyofauna and chondrichthyan fauna at various dive sites around the island, complemented by environmental education tools. This will promote direct interaction between society and scientific research. The expected results aim to provide robust data for the formulation of marine conservation strategies, expanding knowledge of regional biodiversity. Furthermore, this study aims to emphasize the importance of protected areas in conserving marine ecosystems and to promote active societal engagement in ocean conservation.