Nicholas Dunn PhD., MRes.

Institution:
Imperial College London

Profile

My interest lies in using environmental DNA (eDNA) to monitor biodiversity in marine ecosystems and my PhD project focused on developing eDNA methods for the detection and monitoring of shark and ray species.

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

Nicholas Dunn

Biography

2018 Present
Ph.D. candidate, SSCP DTP, Institute of Zoology and Imperial College London
2018 2018
Volunteer research Assistant, James Cook University
2016 2017
MRes. Ecology, Evolution and Conservation , Silwood Park, Imperial College London
2013 2016
BSc., Zoology, Imperial College London

My Project

  • Species Distribution and Ecology
    The Importance of the Chagos Archipelago for Pelagic Predators in the Indian Ocean

My Publications

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