The California Intertidal Biodiversity DNA Barcode Library is committed to building a comprehensive library of voucher specimens and genetic identifying information for thousands of species in California’s coastal intertidal areas. This library of species will help resource managers to better protect and conserve California’s rich biodiversity in the face of a changing climate. To achieve these goals for California’s ecologically diverse and threatened intertidal habitats this major statewide effort will involve many researchers, taxonomists and experts to will survey a wide variety of intertidal habitats across the state and identify, archive and collect genetic samples from the species they collect. The field collections will rely on a series of coordinated large-scale sampling “bioblitzes” located in different coastal regions of California. This highly coordinated approach will ensure that all participants follow standardized workflows and methods to generate comparable, comprehensive genetic identification information and samples across the state. This statewide project will demonstrate how to organize large-scale DNA field sampling events, analyze and extract high-quality DNA barcoding data, and ensure samples and specimens are properly archived in public museum collections.

Using their expertise and specific knowledge of the biodiversity of open coast sandy beaches, UCSB PI Dugan and Co-s Emery will join the California Intertidal Biodiversity project team to lead the field surveys and sample/specimen collections for sandy beach ecosystems using standardized protocols and workflows. They will lead and direct the beach field team collections during the project’s planned major intertidal bioblitz events located in different coastal regions of California. Dugan and Emery will travel to each of the field event locations, coordinate with event organizers and planners on logistics, site access and survey plans, follow the standardized protocols, workflows and methods, collaborate with other intertidal teams, students, experts and taxonomists, and participate in project meetings and workshops to refine products and outcomes.