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eRNA & eDNA Survey
Advancing Global Conservation with eDNA and eRNA Innovation
More than half of the Earth’s oxygen comes from the ocean, yet these vital ecosystems face increasing threats from environmental changes, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Bold, science-driven initiatives are essential to protect them. Expedition Audacity, in partnership with EQO, is leading a pioneering effort to transform ocean monitoring and conservation using advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental RNA (eRNA) technologies. This groundbreaking project goes beyond exploration—it’s about developing the tools needed to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.
Aboard a rugged research vessel designed for remote and challenging waters, Expedition Audacity navigates biodiversity hotspots and regions experiencing significant environmental shifts. Using state-of-the-art genetic collection techniques, the crew uncovers hidden stories of ocean life. By analyzing eDNA and eRNA, scientists can detect the presence of thousands of marine species—from microscopic plankton to apex predators—without physical disturbance. This non-invasive approach provides an unparalleled view into the health, diversity, and resilience of marine environments.
What sets this mission apart is its ability to conduct large-scale water sampling, processing up to 2,000 liters per collection. While traditional marine surveys are often slow, costly, and limited in scope, Expedition Audacity’s approach delivers comprehensive "genetic fingerprints" of marine ecosystems from just a few liters of processed water. This breakthrough enhances biodiversity monitoring, tracks ecosystem changes, and detects early signs of environmental stress. Large-volume sampling also captures rare and elusive genetic signals that smaller samples might miss, offering a clearer picture of marine life’s complexity.
Expedition Audacity’s leadership extends beyond technology—it’s defined by its ambitious mission design. The first phase of the expedition spans a global route, from the Mediterranean and Azores to the icy waters of Iceland and Baffin Bay. Along the way, the team explores both thriving marine habitats and areas experiencing significant ecological shifts. Beyond generating critical scientific data, the project fosters collaboration with global research networks and raises awareness about the importance of ocean conservation.
A key innovation of this mission is the integration of eRNA technology. While eDNA identifies which species are present, eRNA provides deeper insights into how species are interacting with their environment and responding to changing conditions. This near-real-time understanding of marine life activity offers a powerful tool for tracking ecosystem functions and resilience, leading to more effective conservation strategies.
Expedition Audacity is more than a research mission—it’s a call to action for ocean conservation. By merging cutting-edge science with the spirit of exploration, this project empowers us to better understand, protect, and restore the blue heart of our planet. With every water sample collected, every discovery made, and every partnership formed, Expedition Audacity brings us closer to a future where marine ecosystems thrive despite environmental challenges.
EQO's Biotech Symphony for Ecosystems
EQO leads the way in biotechnology, specializing in environmental RNA (eRNA) and DNA (eDNA) to revolutionize the monitoring and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, ensuring healthier water bodies worldwide.
eRNA vs. eDNA: EQO uses both eRNA and eDNA to provide a complete picture of environmental health. eDNA acts as a long-lasting record of species, showing historical or current presence in an area. Meanwhile, eRNA offers a real-time snapshot of active cellular processes, showing what organisms are doing right now.
Molecular Insights: Combining these tools, EQO delivers both real-time data and long-term records, offering vital insights for environmental professionals. Our technology empowers quick and effective decisions for ecosystem monitoring and restoration.
Real-time Activity: eRNA captures the current biological activities within ecosystems, providing a live view of how species interact and respond to their environment.
Historical Record: eDNA archives species' genetic footprints, offering a detailed history of biodiversity and ecosystem health over time.
Actionable Data for Conservation: EQO turns this biological data into clear, actionable insights for managing aquatic ecosystems, whether tracking endangered species, assessing pollution, or managing invasive species.
By leveraging the unique capabilities of eRNA and eDNA, EQO pioneers sustainable solutions for aquatic health on a global scale.
Arctic Mosaic: Navigating Sea Ice Dynamics in the Northwest
A Comprehensive Expedition to Study Environmental Impacts on Arctic Marine Life
In the remote waters of the Northwest Passage and Arctic Ocean, Expedition Audacity is undertaking an in-depth study of sea ice throughout its journey. This mission focuses on autonomously analyzing the physical and biological properties of sea ice, including thickness, extent, snow cover, light penetration, and the presence of life such as ice algae and marine fauna.
By integrating these key data points, the expedition aims to deepen our understanding of how environmental changes are influencing marine ecosystems in the Canadian Arctic. To achieve this, we deploy advanced sensor systems via remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), utilizing ice-penetrating radar, thermal imaging, sonar, light intensity sensors, and high-resolution cameras. These tools enable precise measurements of ice characteristics such as thickness, permeability (indicating melt phases), temperature, and light penetration. Monitoring ice algae and other life forms helps track how these ecosystems are adapting to shifting conditions.
This research provides a detailed perspective on sea ice dynamics across latitudes, seasons, and regions along our route. The insights gained will enhance our understanding of how Arctic marine life and ecosystems are responding to evolving environmental factors.
Expedition Audacity’s sea ice research is vital to advancing scientific knowledge of the Arctic’s rapidly changing environment, reinforcing our commitment to exploration and the preservation of this fragile ecosystem.
Predictions suggest polar bears could face extinction within the next 75 years.
The global outlook for polar bears is bleak, with only a slim chance of a small subpopulation surviving in the extreme Arctic, depending on future temperature trends. Professor Peter Molnar from the University of Toronto Scarborough warns that even with moderate emissions reductions aligned with the International Accords, southern polar bear populations face a significant extinction risk due to ongoing sea ice loss, crucial to their survival.
As global temperatures rise, polar bears lose vital hunting and breeding grounds. While emissions cuts are essential, they may not reverse sea ice loss quickly enough, underscoring the urgent need for broader conservation efforts to protect polar bear habitats and the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
Technological Research
Sustainable Energy in Remote Maritime Environments:
Evaluating Small-Scale Wind Turbine Performance
Advancing Wind Energy in Extreme Maritime Environments
Veronica Devine is leading cutting-edge research aboard Expedition Audacity to test and refine small-scale wind turbines in some of the world’s most challenging maritime environments. From the Mediterranean to the North Atlantic—through the UK, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and Baffin Bay—this study is focused on developing reliable renewable energy solutions for remote regions where diesel dependency remains a costly and polluting necessity.
Remote communities, research stations, and expedition vessels continue to rely on diesel generators, which are expensive, environmentally damaging, and vulnerable to fuel supply disruptions. While small-scale wind turbines offer a promising renewable alternative, their performance in high-latitude maritime environments remains largely untested. Extreme weather conditions—including freezing temperatures, turbulent winds, salt spray, and constant ship movement—pose significant challenges to their efficiency and durability. Understanding these challenges is crucial to improving turbine design and ensuring their viability in off-grid locations.
To address this critical gap, our team will deploy and monitor three carefully selected wind turbines across multiple expedition locations, complemented by pre-testing at the University of Waterloo. This research will assess turbine performance under real-world, extreme weather conditions, analyze the effects of environmental factors such as icing, turbulence, and saltwater exposure on power generation, compare different turbine models to determine the most effective designs for remote maritime applications, and develop practical solutions to enhance reliability and optimize energy output.
This project bridges engineering research with real-world applications, supporting the shift toward sustainable, off-grid power solutions for remote and maritime settings. The findings will contribute to reducing reliance on diesel fuel, lowering costs, and minimizing environmental impact. They will also help enhance renewable energy infrastructure for research stations, expeditions, and isolated communities while providing engineers, scientists, and policymakers with actionable data to improve turbine design and deployment strategies.
At the conclusion of this study, we will release a comprehensive performance report detailing our findings, along with visual documentation showcasing turbine operation in extreme environments and a wind turbine optimization guide to inform future renewable energy initiatives. Beyond research, this project represents a crucial step toward proving that clean, decentralized energy solutions can thrive even in the world’s harshest conditions, helping pave the way for a more sustainable and energy-independent future.
By pushing the boundaries of renewable energy research, Expedition Audacity is shaping the future of sustainable power at sea and beyond. We invite you to join us in advancing smarter, cleaner energy solutions for some of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.
Scientific Research
Mega-Impact: a Study of the Relationships Between Humans and Charismatic Marine Megafauna Across Time and Place
This interdisciplinary research project aims to investigate the complex relationships between humans and regionally specific charismatic marine megafaunal species across time.
Megafaunal species—such as whales, sea turtles, seabirds, sharks, and pinnipeds—have long held significance as sources of food, tourism, and cultural fascination. However, these iconic marine animals now face growing threats from human activities, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and environmental changes.
By exploring the historical and contemporary relationships between humans and marine megafauna, this study aims to deepen public awareness and appreciation for these remarkable creatures and the unique ecosystems they inhabit.
This project will select a threatened megafaunal species endemic to each region visited by Expedition Audacity in 2025—e.g., the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece, the Atlantic puffin in Iceland, and the Atlantic salmon in Newfoundland. A scientific literature review for each species will answer questions like: How has the species’ population and/or range changed over time? How is the species impacted by historical and/or contemporary hunting practices? How do human activities impact and/or threaten the species? Meanwhile, interviews with local scientists, Indigenous peoples, and members of the public will answer questions like: How is the species culturally important? Are people aware that the species is threatened? Do they care?
The literature reviews and ethnographic fieldwork will be combined with photographs and infographics to create approachable, compelling educational modules to be uploaded to social media. By examining the complex relationships between humans and marine megafaunal species and highlighting humanity’s necessary role in their conservation, this project aims to promote a deeper understanding of these iconic species and their habitats.
Molecular sample Optimization of RNA from the Environment
Expedition Audacity’s Project MORE (Molecular sample Optimization of RNA from the Environment) is pioneering the future of marine genomic sampling, leveraging the cutting-edge Calypso instrument to deepen insights into marine ecosystems.
The project’s first phase standardizes genomic sampling protocols, analyzing optimal volumes and depths while examining the relationship between sample collection and species proximity to target sites. Next, MORE aims to enhance the sensitivity of molecular sampling, studying how sample volume correlates with environmental RNA (eRNA) and DNA (eDNA) signal strength, capturing both microbial and non-microbial biodiversity indicators.
Project MORE also bridges traditional and molecular approaches by comparing Calypso's genomic capabilities with standard photo and video transect methods, yielding a dual analysis of biodiversity and species distribution. In optimizing shipboard collection, MORE will examine whether molecular data accurately reflects species abundance, potentially shifting how marine ecosystems are assessed.
Finally, MORE explores the potential of AI-assisted species identification, setting a forward-looking standard for marine genomic research. Integrating traditional methodologies with molecular insights, Project MORE stands to transform our understanding of marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
eDNA Monitoring: Unleashing Swift and Open-Access Insights into Biodiversity Dynamic
Yes, it is feasible to develop an efficient approach for generating valuable open-access eDNA data. Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring offers a scalable, non-intrusive, and highly sensitive method to assess biodiversity across a range of ecosystems, from terrestrial and freshwater to marine environments. Here's why an open-access approach is promising:
Key Advantages:
- Scalability and Speed: eDNA allows for rapid biodiversity assessments without direct organismal contact, making it much faster and less labor-intensive compared to traditional field surveys. Researchers can obtain a snapshot of an ecosystem’s biodiversity from environmental samples (e.g., soil, water, air) with minimal intrusion.
- Broad Applicability: eDNA’s versatility across diverse ecosystems and taxa enables researchers to monitor everything from microorganisms to large marine species, making it a powerful tool for functional biodiversity assessments.
- Sensitivity and Accuracy: The technique can detect even small traces of genetic material, improving the chances of identifying rare or elusive species that might be overlooked in conventional surveys.
- Open-Access Data: Sharing eDNA data freely through open-access platforms can significantly accelerate global collaborations among scientists, conservationists, and policymakers. Open access ensures that the wealth of collected data is pooled to create a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity patterns, trends, and threats.
Real-World Impact:
This approach could democratize biodiversity data, enabling rapid responses to ecological changes and fostering collaboration for predictive modeling and proactive conservation measures. The development of standardized protocols, efficient storage solutions, and automated data processing tools will be key to realizing this goal.
In short, the rapid generation and open-access sharing of eDNA data can revolutionize biodiversity research by making it more inclusive, scalable, and efficient in confronting the current biodiversity crisis.
Kelp Chronicles: Mapping and Conserving Underwater Ecosystems
Expedition Audacity’s Kelp Project focuses on identifying keystone kelp species and analyzing their distribution along latitudinal gradients. The aim is to gain a deep understanding of how these marine forests respond to varying ecological factors such as temperature, light, and competition across a vast coastal expanse.
Research Approach:
- Systematic Mapping: The expedition’s length allows for a comprehensive mapping of marine forests using advanced technologies:
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) will monitor the spread of the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida along the Atlantic coast.
- Drones will create high-resolution geospatial maps of intertidal Macrocystis pyrifera, a dominant species in kelp forests.
- Latitudinal Analysis: Studying species distribution across latitudes helps uncover how key variables like temperature, tidal cycles, and light impact kelp populations.
Project Significance:
This research aims to create a publicly accessible baseline dataset on kelp distribution and abundance, encouraging global collaboration among research institutions. This data is essential for monitoring ecosystem changes, tracking invasive species, and understanding the role of native kelp in marine environments, helping to guide conservation and management efforts.
Kelp beds protect coastal regions, provide habitats, and sequester carbon, making them essential to ocean health, much like forests are to terrestrial ecosystems. Establishing this baseline is crucial given the global decline of kelp forests and their economic and ecological importance. Accurate data supports sustainable management and conservation policies, ensuring informed decision-making and ecosystem protection.
Exploring the Abyss: Unveiling the Secrets of Deep Ocean Sharks along the South American Coastline with Expedition Audacity
Expedition Audacity embarks on an ambitious journey to explore the mysterious world of deep-sea sharks.
This pioneering project seeks to uncover the hidden behaviors and habitats of these elusive creatures, expanding the frontiers of marine science.
Using state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with 4K cameras, fluorometers, CTDs, sonar, and laser scalers, the team will conduct 100 deep-sea dives, reaching depths of 800–900 meters. These advanced technologies systematically capture environmental data and shark behaviors, offering an unprecedented look into this uncharted realm.
In collaboration with leading scientists like Dr. Andrej A. Gajić of National Geographic, the project merges scientific discovery with storytelling. The goal is not only to collect data but to foster a deeper appreciation of deep-sea sharks and their vital role in ocean ecosystems, while promoting smart, sustainable conservation efforts.
Expedition Audacity is driven by a spirit of exploration, innovation, and a commitment to unveiling the intricate beauty of the underwater world.
Phytoplankton Dynamics: Understanding Environmental Impacts from the Bottom Up
Naomi’s research examines how shifts in phytoplankton species are influenced by both biological interactions and environmental factors in Arctic ecosystems. Her study explores the connections between ice and pelagic phytoplankton populations, analyzing key drivers such as light, salinity, temperature, and nutrient availability.
Biotic changes, including fluctuations in ice-associated phytoplankton, affect pelagic species through nutrient competition and grazing dynamics. Meanwhile, abiotic factors—such as melting ice—alter light penetration, salinity, and nutrient distribution, shaping phytoplankton growth patterns and species composition.
By collecting extensive data on environmental conditions and species abundance, this research not only contributes to global biodiversity records but also enhances our understanding of how Arctic marine ecosystems are responding to environmental changes. These findings are essential for informing conservation strategies, ensuring a science-driven approach to preserving marine biodiversity in a rapidly evolving world.
Exploring Arctic Zooplankton Dynamics: Unveiling Interconnections with Phytoplankton and Environmental Factors
Expedition Audacity is investigating how Arctic zooplankton respond to environmental shifts driven by both biological and physical factors. Phytoplankton availability plays a critical role, as it serves as the primary food source for many zooplankton species. As melting sea ice increases light penetration, it fuels phytoplankton growth, which in turn supports higher zooplankton populations.
Abiotic factors like salinity and temperature further shape these interactions. Ice melt alters salinity levels, affecting nutrient mixing and buoyancy, which indirectly influences phytoplankton growth and zooplankton distribution. Meanwhile, rising temperatures impact zooplankton metabolism and reproductive cycles, potentially causing mismatches with seasonal phytoplankton blooms.
Using a planktoscope, the team will precisely map the vertical distribution of both phyto- and zooplankton across environmental gradients, utilizing real-time species identification through EcoTaxa. By linking plankton patterns with temperature and salinity changes, this research aims to enhance our understanding of how Arctic marine ecosystems are adapting to environmental shifts.
Life is Plastic, Which is Not Fantastic - The Distribution and Quantity of Microplastics in the Ocean
Although plastics are widely used, less than 10% of them are actually recycled, which leads to a large number of plastics entering the environment.
Microplastics are no larger than 5mm in size, yet they pose one of the largest threats of the 21st century, even more so when you combine them with their even smaller cousin, nanoplastics (<1 μm). Since microplastics have difficulty fully biodegrading, they can remain in the environment for a long time and they are easily consumed by many species , like zooplankton, mussels, fish, marine mammals, humans, and so on, as their small size renders them impossible to see.
Microplastics can have detrimental effects to human- and wildlife health as they can accumulate harmful pathogens, like bacteria, and serve as their carriers. As a consequence, they can exert toxicity, cause respiratory problems or induce inflammation to the gastrointestinal system, amongst others.
In the ocean, they are mainly found in the sediment, but often also distributed in the coastal area or floating on the surface of the seawater. Though micro- and nanoplastics have already been widely studied, we are still lacking essential data to gain a full understanding of their distribution and quantity. To contribute to the estimation of the risks they pose to the environment, we will sample across different depths, locations and expeditions, to gain a picture as clear as possible of the whereabouts of these microkillers.
Anthropological Research
Culinary Crossroads: Exploring Tradition, Cuisine, and Sustainability in Multifaceted Narratives
Our research explores the intersection of cuisine, culture, and sustainability, focusing on how traditional foods connect with elements like tradition, gender, folklore, and life stages across different locations. We aim to understand food as medicine and its ties to the modern narrative of sustainability.
In ocean conservation, we examine fishing and cuisine as vital links between humans, animals, and nature, contrasting traditional practices with challenges like overfishing and mass production. Key to this is understanding how communities perceive marine animals as food sources and how these relationships shape local culture.
The study may also focus on cetaceans and marine life, exploring why certain species are considered food while others are not, and how these views are embedded in cultural contexts.
Additionally, a filming component will document the immersive journey, highlighting culinary expertise, communal dining, and the intricate relationships between people, food, and the marine world.
Whale Cultures Unveiled: A Multisite Exploration of Interspecies Relationships Across Oceans
"Whale Cultures Unveiled" embarks on an intellectual and cultural journey, led by Iro, to explore interspecies relationships. This research project delves into the rich, evolving dynamics between humans and whales across diverse locations such as the Mediterranean, The Azores, and the Arctic.
Iro’s work connects historical whaling narratives with modern marine tourism, highlighting the interplay between tradition and evolving conservation practices. By studying these varying regions, she explores how cultural and local contexts shape interactions with whales, revealing a tapestry of unique practices and beliefs.
Employing photo identification, hydrophone data, and platforms like HappyWhale, Iro traces individual whales, uncovering their migratory patterns and distinct stories. Her project is not just about understanding behaviors but about redefining conservation through a culturally sensitive lens that recognizes each region’s distinct connection with these majestic creatures.
At its heart, "Whale Cultures Unveiled" urges a more nuanced, adaptable approach to conservation, celebrating the deep connection between human cultures and the lives of whales, and offering a transformative perspective on sustainable ecotourism and marine life coexistence.
Amplifying Nature’s Voice: A Research and Storytelling Initiative with Expedition Audacity
This research-driven creative project, supported by Expedition Audacity, explores the profound connections between humanity and the living networks that shape our world. It aims to amplify the voices of natural ecosystems, species, and landscapes while delving into the myths, archetypes, and collective narratives that have emerged alongside them. By intertwining research with storytelling, the project reveals timeless truths about our shared inner lives and our place within the untamed natural world.
Rooted in interdisciplinary fields including geography, anthropology, history, mythology, ecology, geology, and psychoanalysis, this endeavor weaves together data and insights to craft compelling narratives. These stories explore how landscapes and human histories intersect, offering a powerful lens through which past and present converge in evocative, sometimes haunting ways.
A key focus of the research is on Indigenous communities and their enduring relationship with the land. By examining the forces of displacement, assimilation, and marginalization, the project highlights both the challenges they face and the resilience they embody. Their wisdom offers profound lessons for living harmoniously within nature, contributing invaluable perspectives to global conservation efforts.
What began as a creative response to the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a dedicated pursuit of environmental storytelling. During this time, I also embraced sailing, captivated by the elegant dynamics of wind and water. With Expedition Audacity, this passion merges seamlessly with research, as maritime expeditions provide the opportunity to collect insights and observations for a body of work encompassing essays, short stories, and visual media such as photography and painting.
In addition to written narratives, this project explores diverse creative formats, including documentary contributions, podcasts, and audio recordings, all designed to engage broader audiences. The maritime setting offers a unique environment for reflection, expanding my sailing experience beyond the Aegean to bluewater conditions and deepening the project's creative potential.
This research and storytelling initiative celebrates the intricate connections between humanity and nature, inspiring curiosity and engagement with the challenges facing our planet. By blending science, art, and narrative, it seeks to reconnect us to the mysteries that sustain life and amplify voices too often left unheard.
Shark Tales: Love, beauty and cultural connection of humans and sharks in South American coastal communities.
Expedition Audacity embarks on a profound journey to explore human-shark connections along South America’s coast, addressing the urgent need for shark conservation. This project delves into the cultural, emotional, and artistic bonds communities share with sharks, counteracting the negative portrayals that hinder conservation efforts.
Rejecting stereotypes, this research emphasizes sharks as individual beings with stories shaped by human interactions. By focusing on love, beauty, and folklore, it presents sharks beyond just scientific data, highlighting their significance in local narratives.
The research aims to map local knowledge holders, exploring folklore, cultural history, and art that expresses shark-human connections. A transdisciplinary approach is taken, using field visits, interviews, and visual and auditory data collection over 4-5 days at each location. Purposeful sampling ensures diverse perspectives are represented.
The expedition will culminate in a curated exhibition showcasing the rich, multifaceted relationship between humans and sharks, seeking to foster global appreciation and inspire a paradigm shift in how sharks are perceived. Through these narratives, Expedition Audacity aims to promote marine conservation and a harmonious coexistence with these remarkable creatures.