Environmental DNA (eDNA) collection from the Gulf

An instrument that collects information about conductivity, temperature, and depth, known as a CTD, samples water throughout the water column. Once the CTD returns to deck, scientists collect water samples to process for environmental DNA (eDNA), or genetic material left behind by animals as they move through the ocean. This image captures eDNA water sampling from a CTD during an oceanic expedition led by USGS in conjunction with partners from NOAA, BOEM, and other partners.