Profile
My research uses both multi-species eDNA metabarcoding and species-specific quantitative PCR approaches to investigate elasmobranch diversity in the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area.
The study of eDNA is a non-invasive and rapid method for the assessment of the presence and distribution of marine species through the extraction and sequencing of genetic material present in water samples. Because of its non-invasive nature, species do not need to be observed or captured in order for their presence to be recorded, making the technique ideal for the study of elusive and cryptic species such as sharks and rays.
I will be assessing the applicability of eDNA methods for monitoring reef sharks in the MPA, comparing results against more established monitoring methods such as diver surveys and telemetry.
The ability to detect species from water samples has the potential to revolutionise marine monitoring, particularly for rare and elusive species like sharks and rays. I hope that the research I do will help conserve these incredible species that are so important for the health of our oceans
Biography
My Project
My Publications
Environmental DNA Helps Reveal Reef Shark Distribution Across a Remote Archipelago
Dunn, N., Curnick, D.J., Carbone, C., Carlisle, A.B., Chapple, T.K., Dowell, R., Ferretti, F., Jacoby, D.M.P., Schallert, R.J., Steyaert, M., Tickler, D.M., Williamson, M.J., Block, B.A., Savolainen, V. (2023). Environmental DNA helps reveal reef shark distribution across a remote archipelago. Ecological Indicators.
Environmental DNA Reveals the Diversity and Abundance of Sharks and Rays in a Remote Coral Reef Atoll
Dunn, N., Savolainen, V., Weber, S., Andrzejaczek, S., Carbone, C., Curnick, D. (2022). Environmental DNA reveals the diversity and abundance of sharks and rays in a remote coral reef atoll. Molecular Ecology. Zoological Society of the Linnean Society.
Observations of Coral and Cryptobenthic Sponge Fluorescence and Recruitment on Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS)
Steyaert, M., Mogg, A., Dunn, N., Dowell, R., Head, C.E.I. (2022). Observations of coral and cryptobenthic sponge fluorescence and recruitment on autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS). Coral Reefs.
A Review of a Decade of Lessons From One of the World’s Largest MPAs: Conservation Gains and Key Challenges
Hays, G.C., Koldewey, H.J., Andrzejaczek, S., Attrill, M.J., Barley, S., Bayley, D.T.I., Benkwitt, C.E., Block, B., Schallert, R.J., Carlisle, A., Carr, P., Chapple, T.K., Collins, C., Diaz, C., Dunn, N., Dunbar, R.B., Eager, D.S., Engel, J., Embling, C.B., Esteban, N., Ferretti, F., Foster, N.L., Freeman, R., Gollock, M., Graham, N.A.J., Harris, J.L., Head, C.E.I, Hosegood, P., Howell, K.L., Hussey, N.E., Jacoby, D.M.P., Jones, R., Pilly, J.S., Lange, I.D., Letessier, T.B., Levy, E., Lindhart, M., McDevitt-Irwin, J.M., Meekan, M., Meeuwig, J.J., Micheli, F., Mogg, A., Mortimer, J.A., Mucciarone, D.A., Nicoll, M.A., Nuno, A., Perry, C., Preston, S.G., Rattray, A.J., Robinson, E., Roche, R., Schiele, M., Sheehan, E.V., Sheppard, A., Sheppard, C., Smith, A.L., Soule, B., Spalding, M., Stevens, G.M.W., Steyaert, M., Stiffel, S., Taylor, B.M., Tickler, D., Trevail, A.M., Trueba, P., Turner, J., Votier, S., Wilson, B., Williams, G., Williamson, B., Williamson, M.J., Wood, H. and Curnick, D.J. (2020) A review of a decade of lessons from one of the world’s largest MPAs: conservation gains and key challenges. Marine Biology.
Mitochondrial Genome of the Silvertip Shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus, From the British Indian Ocean Territory
Johri, S., Dunn, N., Chapple, T.K., Curnick, D.J., Savolainen, V., Dinsdale, E.A. and Block, B.A. (2020) Mitochondrial genome of the Silvertip Shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus, from the British Indian Ocean Territory. Mitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources.
