Barcoding MarineGEO’s cryptic microscopic diversity along a latitudinal gradient

The Tennenbaum Marine Observatories Network’s (TMON) MarineGEO initiative aims to quantify long-term changes in biodiversity and its consequences for ecosystems across the globe. To do so, we are using standardized sampling that combines Autonomous Reef Monitoring Systems (ARMS), molecular methods, and digital imagery to directly compare whole community profiles (integrating across all size class) through time and space. This project aimed to (1) supplement the library of DNA barcodes for key taxa at the TMON core sites, (2) provide DNA barcodes to identify OTUs detected via metabarcoding, (3) quantify latitudinal gradients and successional patterns in cryptobenthic diversity among taxa and size fractions, and (4) to produce digitally associated barcodes, physical vouchers, and photographic vouchers for these poorly known organisms. This NCBI BioProject contains DNA barcode records that were generated with support from the federally-funded Smithsonian Institution DNA Barcode Network.