ATLASea aims to advance our understanding of genetic diversity and ecological relationships among marine organisms of scientific, conservation, iconic and economic interest observed in the French Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). We are making significant efforts to collect the vast biodiversity within this geographic area. In addition, we believe that experts can make a substantial difference in our program by providing specimens to be included in the ATLASea sample list. Therefore, we are delighted to invite you to serve as an ambassador and collaborate in this program.
Prior to any other actions, please read carefully the following documents:
A) General recommendations for sampling
B) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – list below
The available versions of SOPs are listed and downloadable below. Please note that they may be updated and that other taxonomic groups will be added in the future:
- Crustacea
- Bryozoa
- Tunicata
- Anthozoa
- Medusozoa and Ctenophora
- Echinodermata
- Mollusca
- Porifera
- Annelida
- Platyhelminthes – arriving soon
- Macro-algae – arriving soon
- Phytoplancton cultures – arriving soon
- Zooplankton
- Fish – arriving soon
The SOPs listed above contain guidance on processing various taxa within the scope of the ATLASea project. The guidance specifically refers to the tissue samples needed for taxonomic identification and specimen vouchering (which takes place at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN)) and outlines the dissected tissues required for DNA barcoding and whole genome sequencing, which takes place at the Genoscope.
Those SOPs will be reviewed (on a quarterly/ad hoc basis) by ATLASea team members to incorporate feedback from the community.
We are still refining our best practices and fine-tuning elements of this SOP, making it subject to change. We welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions. If you have any advice, comments, techniques, or lessons learned that you would like to contribute, we would greatly appreciate it (please contact us by e-mail).