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Spotlighting Dr Belén Arias, the Ocean Census Science Manager of Species Discovery & Sequencing

Highlighting the work of Dr Belén Arias, the Science Manager for Species Discovery & Sequencing at the Ocean Census

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Why did you decide to join the Ocean Census? What excites you the most about our mission?

I attended the Ocean Census launch, and I remember thinking how exciting this project was for the marine space, where much of existing life is still undiscovered and new species are being described at a very slow pace. The Ocean Census is a unique initiative that integrates marine research expeditions followed by species discovery workshops to boost species discovery worldwide. In the context of the biodiversity crisis, this has enormous implications for marine biodiversity and conservation. The most exciting part for me is the potential of molecular barcoding for new species. If we do this correctly, we can dramatically reduce the blank pages in the current catalogue of marine animals, leading to groundbreaking research on marine ecosystems.

What are the biggest challenges currently faced in the species discovery and sequencing processes?

We face several challenges, one of the most significant being the vastness and inaccessibility of certain marine habitats, especially the deep sea. Taxonomic expertise is another important limitation; we need to address the shortage of taxonomists by investing in and supporting early career researchers with knowledge of specific marine taxa. Molecular barcoding of marine species, especially those from extreme environments, can be difficult to analyse due to DNA degradation from poor preservation after collection, or the presence of contaminants, which affect sequencing. It’s exciting to be part of the Ocean Census and help find ways to tackle these challenges.

What emerging technologies or approaches do you see as game-changers for this field in the near future?

To support sample preservation methods, the incorporation of in-situ preservation containers in ROVs (Remote Operational Vehicle) for extreme environment samples could help to get better DNA yields for molecular purposes. Regarding DNA barcoding, the emergence of third generation sequencing technologies, such as the MinION sequencer from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) holds promising applications in terrestrial species discovery, which we need to assess and explore with marine samples.

What’s your favourite memory of the sea?

The invitation to be an advisor for the Woman in Science Expedition (WISE) in the Cook Islands. This expedition, a training program in deep-sea science, was dedicated to championing female in the south-west Pacific. I had the privilege of leading the trainees as we unearthed sediments and specimens that had never before been seen or handled by humankind. It was one of the most unforgettable experiences in my career, and I will carry it with me forever. Beyond the scientific experience, I also gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance the ocean holds in the minds and hearts of my fellow Polynesian expeditioners.

Favourite sea creature?

Tough question! Due to their crucial role in marine ecosystems and their ability to create habitats for other organisms, my favourite creatures are sponges. Among them, carnivorous and glass sponges are the most intriguing to me. They thrive in remote and isolated environments, and how they manage to live there fascinates me. In terms of mobile organisms, sea cucumbers are the best! They can be found in both shallow and deep waters, exhibiting a wide range of colours, body sizes and patterns. What I find particularly interesting about Holothurians is their ability to eviscerate part of their internal organs as a defense mechanism to avoid predators, surviving through their unique regenerative abilities, something I would love to explore at genomic level.

Interested in finding out more about the exciting discoveries being uncovered by the Ocean Census? Keep up to date with the latest news.

Featured image credits: Gregory Piper / Ocean Image Bank

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