Sterna dougallii isolate:ROST_GGI_2022 Genome sequencing and assembly. Sterna dougallii isolate:ROST_GGI_2022

Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii), a federally endangered seabird, migrate from South American wintering grounds to breeding in tropical and temperate islands. Despite their status, no reference genome exists, even knowing that it could inform conservation decisions or clarify their evolution and adaptation. Our project aims to develop the reference genome for ROST to investigate genetic diversity and population structure. We are working with organisms from Great Gull Island, the biggest colony in Northwest Atlantic, developing a non-invasive sampling method for DNA extraction since 2022. We will use whole-genome sequencing to obtain comprehensive genomic data from multiple individuals aiming to understand the species' evolutionary history and adaptability to different habitat conditions.