Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Molecular Identification of Copepoda species (Harpacticoida) from Polar regions  (HARPA-KEY)

Outline
The selected polar species belonging to Ectinosomidae, Tachidiidae, Harpacticidae, Tisbidae, Diosaccidae, Ameiridae, Canthocamptidae and Laophontidae (Copepoda:Harpacticoida) are, in their development, associated with aquatic environmental conditions. Correct identification of those copepods, regardless of developmental stage, is crucial for diagnostic reasons. Individual copepods are frequently identified based on their morphology. However, this criterion is often insufficient for identification, particularly for larvae due to technical difficulties. Amplification of the target DNA fragments by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as analysis of the amplified genome regions constitutes an alternative solution of problems related to species identification of the copepods. Due to the easiness of isolation and relatively high evolution rate, the ribosomal DNA is a useful marker in studies on within- or between-population variability. The region containing 5.8S rRNA gene and surrounding ITSes is highly convenient for constructing the molecular key. It is intended to find evidence for the existence of separate species/populations within the selected harpacticoids. Recent observations of copepod ‘populations’ exhibiting high levels of genetic divergence despite morphological conservatism suggests that for this group reproductive isolation may be uncoupled from morphological divergence. Identification of different species may also prove helpful in monitoring environmental conditions due to their relatively high sensitivity for environmental factors i.e. salinity (own results). The molecular key based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) will allow fast and reliable identification of selected species in collected samples. In addition, the proposed project has a potential of providing an answer to certain questions related to the taxonomic status of some Harpacticoida species. It should also aid in DNA based identification of Copepoda species. Results obtained so far with DNA analyses concern only selected species. The project is aimed at developing a robust identification key and unequivocally correlating identified species with environmental conditions.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
No publication on polar copepods population studies at the DNA level is available, except for studies on species variability in cryptic-species belonging to Eucalanoidae. The study proposed should provide evidence in support of differentiation of the species selected into separate populations; thus, the project should fill a gap in methodology applied so far to within-species variability assessment in copepods especially in some families of Harpacticoida. The presence of specific, well-defined Harpacticoid species in West and East Spitsbergen Currents may serve as an indicator of changes in cold and warm currents activities.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Fjords and watt bays on Svalbard and seashores of King George Island.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/05 – 09/05      07/06 – 09/06      04/07 – 09/07
Antarctic: 01/06 – 03/06            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Polish Polar Station in Hornsund (Svalbard), M/V “Horyzont II” – seashores of Svalbard and King George Island, S/V “Eltanin” – small fiords and bays, and North part of Svalbard.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Accepted by Polish National Commettee for 4-IPY 2007-2008

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

Continuum of studies realized in the frame of previous individual project financed by University of Gdansk, Poland.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Dept. of Genetics and Cytology, University of Gdansk, Poland Samples will be collected on both Polar regions (Svalbard, King George Island) using accessible logistic support (Polish Polar stations and ships). Samples will be analysed in the laboratories at the University of Gdansk and laboratories of co-operators.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The molecular key is convenient, practical tool to identifying harpacticoids. As additional method is usable for verifying classic methodology. Constructed key will be used during the practical exercises for students.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The obtained data, including the molecular key will be published in an international journal and accessible for scientists.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
We are going to apply for support to national funding agencies and University of Gdańsk. Actually, we are looking for international co-operators.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Barbara Wojtasik
University of Gdansk, Dept. of Genetics and Cytology
Kadki 24
Gdansk
80-822
Poland

Tel: +48583012241 ext. 357
Mobile: +48605837064
Fax: +48583058110
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation