eDNA: analysing spatial and temporal variation in marine predators
In marine environments, prey-predator relationships remain obscured and recording of spatial or temporal variation in either group requires considerable effort. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in this study we will record on the one hand direct predation, by analysing scat samples of walruses. Additionally, possible changes over time by comparing scat samples collected in 2020 to samples collected in 2015. On the other hand, by recording environmental DNA (eDNA) throughout the expedition, we will record presence of both the predators (including other marine animals) and their prey.
Together with Martine van den Heuvel.