Population Genomics
Project Lead: Dr. Jordan Bemmels
Project Location: Victoria, BC
Contact:
Project Overview
Genetic diversity is a core component of biodiversity. Conservation and restoration programs should aim to ensure not only that a species is present, but also that the genetic make-up of populations is likely to promote desired goals. These goals may vary depending on stakeholder priorities, but could include aims such as closely genetically replicating a historical population that was lost, maintaining genetic diversity that will allow populations to naturally adapt to diverse challenges, promoting optimal fitness of individuals in the present, or ensuring that populations possess genetic variants likely to be beneficial under future climates.
Photo: KRI genomics researcher Dr. Jordan Bemmels hard at work unravelling the mysteries of kelp genetics
PC:
Incorporating genetic information into conservation of bull and giant kelp in British Columbia and Washington has been hampered by a lack of detailed genetic knowledge for this region. KRI has now sequenced the genomes of several hundred individuals of each species. We have characterized the genetic relationships among different kelp populations, assessed genetic diversity and other genetic health indicators, and examined the prevalence and predicted consequences of inbreeding in small populations.
Photo: KRI kelp culture technician Clay Steell holding a tube of gametophytes grown from spores collected off of kelp in Victoria
PC:
Goals and Objectives
After success in sequencing, characterizing and assessing the genomes of bull and giant kelp, the next goal for the Kelp Rescue Initiative genomics team is to analyze how kelp populations are genetically adapted to different environments. This combined knowledge will help managers make genetically informed decisions about kelp conservation and optimize restoration strategies.
Photo: Tubes of gametophytes grown from spores collected from regions all over Vancouver Island
PC: Clay Steell
Research Methods
KRI team members have been collecting tissue samples from the field since 2021. Other samples were collected through partnerships with First Nations from northern BC and with researchers at Friday Harbor Laboratories in Washington State. In 2022, postdoc Dr. Jordan Bemmels joined Greg Owens’ lab at the University of Victoria, where he generated and analyzed the whole-genome sequencing data for this project in collaboration with other members of KRI and with Loren Rieseberg’s lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Most of Jordan’s work takes place in a molecular laboratory preparing samples for sequencing, and on high-performance computer servers conducting bioinformatics analyses. Since 2024, postdoc Dr. Fernando Hernandez from the Rieseberg Lab at UBC has been leading additional analyses about genetic adaptation.
Photo: Dried tissue samples of bull kelp from Ogden Point (Victoria) to be used for genetic analysis
PC: Clay Steell
2021
Start Of Tissue Collections For Genetic Sampling
Analysis of Whole-Genome Sequence
2022-2023
As of September 2024, many aspects of the project have been completed but not yet published – please stay tuned for updates about results and publications!