Marine environmental DNA survey of Bocas del Toro, Panama

This study surveyed the lagoon of Bocas del Toro, Panama using environmental DNA (eDNA) in order to compare patterns of metazoan biodiversity in different regions and habitats throughout the bay. In 2017, one liter seawater samples were collected and filtered for eDNA using 0.45 µm cellulose nitrate membrane filters from five different nearshore marine habitats: coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, docks, and unvegetated sandy patches. DNA extracts were then amplified and sequenced using general metazoan primers for COI. Seawater collection was simultaneously paired with visual surveys for fish performed by divers.