In the context of Marco-Bolo (
https://marcobolo-project.eu/) we are testing different bioinformatic pipelines to optimise the pelagic habitat indicator workflows to report on biodiversity monitoring to the European Marine Strategic Framework Directive (MSFD). Currently, there is considerable variation in the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) data using bioinformatic pipelines. Also, there is no clear assessment of how these different pipelines and parameter choices therein affect the calculation of indicators.
We are therefore inviting you to take part in our DATA ANALYSIS CHALLENGE, where we will aim to compare different bioinformatics pipelines currently used for eDNA analysis across the eDNA community. In a follow up analysis, this will allow us to compare the effect of pipeline choice on the MSFD pelagic habitat indicator calculations.
The goal of this challenge is to analyse the same datasets with different pipelines. We will provide small datasets that can be run with your personal/favourite analysis method, and ask that you only return the final OTU/ASV tables and taxonomic information resulting from your analysis.
Your participation will be acknowledged in the Marco-Bolo project reports and on the Marco-Bolo website. The final comparison will provide clear evidence on how robust and comparable current eDNA practices are, with the aim to increase our understanding of the method and the trust in the results. The datasets will also remain available for further comparisons, whenever new workflows are being developed.
Timeline of challenge
- Extended to 13th of September 2024: Registration deadline. Datasets are shared with participants who expressed their interest to join.
- 30th of September 2024: Deadline for the submission of analysis results.
- 7th and 8th of October: Data comparison and indicator workflow development by MARCO-BOLO internally.
- Early November: MARCO-BOLO initial report.
The MARCO-BOLO project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Programme, Grant Agreement No. 101082021 (MARCO-BOLO). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
UK participants in MARCO-BOLO are supported by the UKRI’s Horizon Europe Guarantee under the Grant No. 10068180 (MS); No. 10063994 (MBA); No. 10048178 (NOC).
