BioQuest has completed the first genome sequencing of a coral reef in the Caribbean and done in the Caribbean region.

The non-governmental organisation, run by the research firm CariGenetics, celebrated World Ocean Day with the official completion of the draft reference genome of the Grooved Brain Coral.

The groundbreaking work was conducted in Bermuda in collaboration with the Two Frontiers Project, ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Oxford Nanopore Technologies' Org.One.

The project started last July with the BioQuest team learning how to sample and extract DNA from the coral reef.

In phase one of the project, the team were able to go from sampling to coral microbiome analysis within 72 hours, with all work done by Bermudians in Bermuda.

For phase two of the project, BioQuest sequenced the whole genome of the coral for the first time during the Roche Science Week at Bermuda College in February.

The assembly of the draft reference genome was done by Miten Jain, principle investigator of the Genome Technology Laboratory at Northeastern University in Boston.

The technological feat leveraged the advanced capabilities of Seq2Know, the sole Oxford Nanopore Technologies certified sequencing laboratory in the LATAM & Caribbean region, run by CariGenetics.

Jean-Pierre Rouja, executive director of BioQuest, sai: “Completing the coral reference genome represents a monumental achievement in our efforts to conserve marine biodiversity. This project underscores our commitment to build local capacity.”

Carika Weldon, chief executive and founder of CariGenetics, and director of research for BioQuest, said the project was “breaking new ground in Caribbean marine conservation while providing invaluable insights that will aid in the protection of endangered species”.

Dr Weldon added: “Completing this project without having to send any samples away is a testament to the incredible dedication and expertise of our team.

“By harnessing the power of genomic sequencing, we are excited to continue this journey with our esteemed partners and contribute to global conservation efforts.”

BioQuest also extended congratulations to the Nonsuch Expeditions on being awarded the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund Chairman’s Award.

Part of the grant will enable the Nonsuch Expeditions, the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, and BioQuest to continue the Bermuda Cahow Genome Project.

The rare seabird, Bermuda’s national bird, is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list, and can only be found in Bermuda.

With phase one completed last April with the draft reference genome, the next phase of the project launches the first Bermuda cahow population genomics study.

A BioQuest spokesman said: “Scientists will be better able to assess the level of genetic diversity and have the ability to track this over successive generations.

“It will also provide some insight to the current nesting pair failure that is being experienced by some and may help overcome this hurdle to allow the population to flourish to no longer be critically endangered.

“Sequencing the Grooved Brain Coral’s reference genome sets a significant precedent in the region, showcasing the potential of local scientific initiatives, driven by local teams, to make impactful contributions to global biodiversity conservation.

“BioQuest proudly joins the international community in continuing the fight to save our oceans.”

To learn more about BioQuest, visit https://bioquest.world/