Story perspectives

eDNA Survey Estimates Dolphin Populations, Diversity Near Catalina

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Frederick Archer and his NOAA/NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center team proved environmental DNA from seawater can estimate dolphin population size and genetic diversity.
In 2021 they collected two-liter samples from 15 dolphin schools near Santa Catalina Island and revealed 836 mitochondrial variants with 76 % cetacean and 60 % toothed-whale matches from analysis of 126 samples.
Long-beaked common dolphins had the greatest genetic diversity, while Risso’s and bottlenose dolphins were less diverse.

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Story summary

Frederick Archer and his NOAA/NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center team proved environmental DNA from seawater can estimate dolphin population size and genetic diversity.
In 2021 they collected two-liter samples from 15 dolphin schools near Santa Catalina Island and revealed 836 mitochondrial variants with 76 % cetacean and 60 % toothed-whale matches from analysis of 126 samples.
Long-beaked common dolphins had the greatest genetic diversity, while Risso’s and bottlenose dolphins were less diverse.