Metabarcoding improves detection of eukaryotes from early biofouling communities: implications for pest monitoring and pathway management

• Published in: Biofouling (Chur, Switzerland) Vol. 32; no. 6; pp. 671 - 684
• Main Authors: Zaiko, Anastasija, Schimanski, Kate, Pochon, Xavier, Hopkins, Grant A., Goldstien, Sharyn, Floerl, Oliver, Wood, Susanna A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 02-07-2016
• Subjects: 18S ribosomal RNA gene; Biodiversity; Biofouling; Communities; Computational Biology - methods; detection tools; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic - methods; Environment management; Environmental monitoring; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Eukaryota - classification; Eukaryota - genetics; Genes; Geologic Sediments - analysis; high-throughput sequencing; Level (quantity); marine biofilms; New Zealand; non-indigenous species; Plates (structural members); RNA, Ribosomal, 18S - genetics; Surveillance; marine biofilms; 18S ribosomal RNA gene; detection tools; high-throughput sequencing; non-indigenous species
• ISSN: 0892-7014; 1029-2454
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2016.1186165

In this experimental study the patterns in early marine biofouling communities and possible implications for surveillance and environmental management were explored using metabarcoding, viz. 18S ribosomal RNA gene barcoding in combination with high-throughput sequencing. The community structure of eukaryotic assemblages and the patterns of initial succession were assessed from settlement plates deployed in a busy port for one, five and 15 days. The metabarcoding results were verified with traditional morphological identification of taxa from selected experimental plates. Metabarcoding analysis identified > 400 taxa at a comparatively low taxonomic level and morphological analysis resulted in the detection of 25 taxa at varying levels of resolution. Despite the differences in resolution, data from both methods were consistent at high taxonomic levels and similar patterns in community shifts were observed. A high percentage of sequences belonging to genera known to contain non-indigenous species (NIS) were detected after exposure for only one day.