Introduction
The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme Biomaterial Sampling Framework encourages collaboration between institutions and sharing of resources in order to streamline genetic and isotope research on marine fish in the South Western Indian Ocean region.
The framework hopes to streamline research by coordination on three fronts.
1) A collaboration network between institutions conducting genetic and isotope work on fish species in the Western Indian Ocean, and those that are conducting other fisheries or biological research in this region.
This includes:
• a list of priority species from geneticists and isotope researchers and the regions from which samples are required
• a calendar of who is doing fisheries field work in particular regions and what type of samples they may be able to collect
• a calendar of fishing events where biomaterial samples may be collected
• a list of suitable fish-markets, fishing charters and contact people where genetic samples could be collected from
• a list of names of fisheries officials and contacts for permit acquisitions for different regions
2) A single institute (SAIAB) where all marine fish biomaterial samples are housed and a complete database and catalogue of all samples is kept. SAIAB is chosen to house samples as it is the national aquatic biodiversity facility and has the infrastructure and facilities to take on such a task.
Having all samples stored in a single repository and records on a single database (with the information from the data sheet shown in Appendix 1) will give scientists a complete list of what biomaterial sampling has been done, and what samples are available, thus reduce unwanted sampling replication as well as being useful for identifying potential future work that may be done more cost effectively.
3) A work-plan by the participating geneticists and isotope researchers will keep track of who is doing what work on what species and in what regions. This will provide the “genetics and isotope community” with a picture of what is going on and where the knowledge gaps are. The work plan should include:
• what species are being worked on
• the aims of the studies
• the timeframe of the study
• people involved and their institutions
• expected outputs (e.g. Masters, PhD, number of papers)
Benefits of the programme
The programme will not only benefit genetic and isotope research in the Western Indian Ocean on a whole, but will also increase the research capabilities of institutions involved in this type of research, as well as encouraging collaboration and the effective use of resources. Geneticists, isotope researchers and individuals who collect samples for the programme will all benefit.
Geneticists and isotope researchers
• opportunity to collect a larger number of samples from a wider distribution
• more cost effective sampling
• augment existing samples with those from the collection
• easily identify knowledge gaps
• publish more papers/graduate more students
• ability to lever more funds by demonstrating that work has progressed (samples in the bank) or that collaborations are in place
Scientists who collect samples
• get credit in publications (see attached Biomaterial Transfer TMA. acknowledgements/co-authorship? To be discussed between involved parties and will be on a case to case basis)
• get co-supervisor status on student projects if intellectual input is also provided (to be discussed between involved parties)
Contributions by involved parties:
In order for this programme to function in the intended manner there will need to be input from all parties involved. A collaborative network of this nature has the potential to significantly enhance capacity in the marine sciences.
Geneticists and isotope researchers
• should supply details of how to collect samples
• should supply details of priority species, locations and numbers required
• should supply work plans (see above)
• should supply biomaterial sampling material (e.g. kits) if collectors budgets don’t allow for this. (To be arranged between collectors and the SAIAB biomaterials bank).
• should provide students for participation in collection trips and cruises when required
Scientists who collector samples
• should provide details of sampling trips (where, when, availability) that samples may be collected on
• should request student involvement in collecting trips or indicate available berths for students
Property rights of genetic samples
There are two ways in which SAIAB agrees to handle samples.
1) Samples donated to SAIAB
These samples will simply be included in the national collection and fall under the regulations that are in place there. See the Biomaterial Transfer TMA.
SAIAB applies strict regulation over samples and samples are not handed out to just anybody. Acknowledgement of SAIAB as well as the collector is required on any outputs using SAIAB samples. This method is encouraged as it requires less administration than the next option of embargoed samples. However, the embargoed samples option does remain available.
2) Embargoed samples (a proposal needs to be made by stakeholders as a group and agreed upon by SAIAB as there is currently no system like this in place)
These samples become property of SAIAB; however, the collector has exclusive rights to the samples for a period (negotiable up to 5 years). The collector may negotiate for acknowledgement with any users that may request the samples during this time. Due to the costs involved in accessioning and housing the samples, the exclusive rights to the samples are wavered once the agreed upon period has lapsed.
This is aimed at non SAIAB researchers who make substantial collections on an ongoing basis and who aim to be involved in some form or another in analyzing and subsequent publication of the work. It is also in place in order to encourage scientists to submit sample for accessioning during their studies so that samples are not ruined, misplaced or vital information about the samples lost over long periods of time.
Downloads
Guide for Field Collection of DNA Samples.pdf