A new comprehensive guide developed by leading scientists aims to standardize the process of collecting and cataloging DNA barcode sequences from marine species, advancing efforts to monitor and protect ocean biodiversity through cutting-edge genetic techniques.
Introducing the Marine DNA Barcoding Best Practices Guide
The guide, titled “Introduction to Developing DNA Reference Barcode Sequences,” was created by the West Coast Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (WC-OBON)—a regional node of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’s global biomolecular observatory network. It is now publicly available via Zenodo, offering open-access guidance for scientists worldwide.
Developed without dedicated funding, this guide is a collaborative effort by 15 scientists representing 11 organizations, including UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL), and the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI).
What the Guide Offers
The guide compiles standard protocols for DNA barcode creation, addressing each stage of the workflow:
- Field collection of marine specimens
- Specimen sorting and photography
- Tissue sampling and preservation
- Laboratory-based DNA extraction and amplification
- Barcode sequencing and data analysis
- Archiving and uploading data to global databases like GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD)
By integrating best practices from marine biology, taxonomy, molecular ecology, and bioinformatics, the guide aims to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility in building DNA reference libraries.
“This guide is an invaluable resource for scientists involved in specimen curation, taxonomic identification, and barcode sequencing,” said Dr. Nastassia Patin, molecular ecologist at Scripps Oceanography and co-author of the guide.
Supporting the Growth of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Applications
The new guide directly supports the expanding field of environmental DNA (eDNA) research—a powerful, non-invasive method for assessing biodiversity. eDNA techniques allow researchers to detect species in an ecosystem simply by analyzing genetic material left behind in seawater samples.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this guide is how it brings together all the key steps—from collection to data sharing—into one comprehensive document,” said Dr. Zachary Gold, lead molecular ecologist at NOAA PMEL and co-author.
However, the success of eDNA technologies depends heavily on the availability of high-quality reference databases. Without reliable barcode sequences, linking unknown environmental DNA fragments to actual marine species remains a challenge. This guide fills that gap by offering a clear roadmap for researchers to contribute well-documented, verified DNA barcodes to public repositories.
Setting Gold Standards for Marine DNA Reference Libraries
The guide emphasizes the importance of preserving voucher specimens—physical specimens that are archived in museums or scientific collections to serve as permanent references. Contributions from the Scripps Oceanographic Collections, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles enriched this section with expert insights.
“Every step of building a DNA reference library requires deep expertise—from taxonomic identification to data archiving,” added Dr. Gold. “This project highlighted the invaluable work done by taxonomists and curators behind the scenes.”
A Community Resource for Biodiversity Research
Built on principles of open science and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices, the guide is intended to be a shared resource for the global scientific community. It encourages collaboration across disciplines—whether in the field, lab, or museum—to accelerate our collective understanding of marine ecosystems.
“By making these barcode sequences widely available, we empower researchers worldwide to better interpret their eDNA data and make meaningful connections to marine life,” said Patin.
Future Applications and Biodiversity Protection
In addition to supporting global biodiversity research, the guide will also benefit emerging projects in California’s intertidal zones and other regional conservation initiatives.
“As climate change and human activities put increasing pressure on marine biodiversity, this guide provides a timely, science-backed tool to support ecosystem monitoring and conservation efforts,” said Patin.
📘 Access the Guide
Title: Introduction to Developing DNA Reference Barcode Sequences
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14867762
Published on: Zenodo
Authors: WC-OBON Consortium