Quadra Island is the epicenter for genomics research at the Hakai Institute. Our world-class genomics facility provides the staff, expertise, and equipment required to support leading edge research and collaboration in all areas of coastal Biodiversity Genomics.
Quadra Coastal Observatory
Genomics
Environmental DNA metabarcoding
Genetic processing of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples is the cornerstone of our Biodiversity Genomics research program. The Quadra Genomics Lab contains all the equipment necessary to process eDNA samples including dedicated clean-rooms to minimize contamination, Illumina MiSeq and NextSeq DNA sequencing platforms, and computing servers to process and store genomics data. Our genomics pipelines are optimized for flexibility, allowing us to tackle a wide range of research projects on microbes, plankton, marine invertebrates, fishes, mammals, and more.
Quantitative PCR
Targeted species-specific assays are a highly sensitive tool for tracking rare, endangered, or invasive species. The Hakai Genomics Lab uses both conventional quantitative PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for a range of different applications. For example, we use this tool to track the spread of invasive European green crab and to identify remaining populations of threatened sunflower sea stars.
DNA Barcoding
Genetic data provides an essential tool for cataloguing biological diversity. The Hakai Genomics Lab has a long history of international collaboration with taxonomists from museums and universities to better document marine biodiversity. Using a DNA barcoding framework, we have sequenced over 10,000 specimens, which has led to the discovery of several new species and improved global biodiversity reference databases.
In addition to the core protocols described above, our genomics facility occasionally supports additional approaches including RNA sequencing, metagenomics, and population genetics.
Capacity Development
A unique component of genomics research at the Hakai Institute is the capacity development provided by our genomics team.We foster collaboration with researchers from a diversity of backgrounds and disciplines including Indigenous, government, and academic scientists. This framework allows us to bring genomics tools to support a wide range of ecological research projects that wouldn't otherwise have access to genomics data. The result is novel, impactful, and synergistic scientific discovery.