ATLASea: Call for Species Ambassadors
Having already collected over 1000 marine species across 5 sampling expeditions in the Mediterranean, and the English Channel (around Dinard and during an halieutic campaign), as well as in oversea territories in the Caribbean and the South Pacific, and published its first set of sequenced genomes, ATLASea is excited to launch a Call for Species Ambassadors, a new initiative aimed at engaging researchers in marine biodiversity and genomics.
What is ATLASea?
ATLASea aims to sequence, assemble, and annotate high-quality reference genomes for marine eukaryotic species of scientific, conservation, iconic, and economic importance within the French Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). To achieve this, and in addition to the planned sampling expeditions, ATLASea is now seeking contributions from experts who can serve as Species Ambassadors, helping to:
- Suggest marine species and, if accepted, provide specimens for sequencing,
- Propose collaborative projects addressing specific research questions.
How to get involved?
Ambassadors have three routes to participate:
- Propose 1-5 species for sequencing
If you have access to specimens or suggestions for a small number of species, use this form). - Propose more than 5 species for sequencing
For larger collections, download this spreadsheet, complete it, and send it to ATLASea by email. - Submit a project for collaboration
Have a broader research project in mind? Describe your project here.
What to keep in mind:
- Specimens MUST BE SAMPLED, with no exception, in the French EEZ
- Sampling will have to follow ATLASea’s protocols, including adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and compliance with all national and international regulations.
- Samples already stored in freezers are not eligible.
- Genome data will be made publicly available through the European Nucleotide Archive.
All submissions will be reviewed by the ATLASea Species Selection Committee, which meets monthly.
Why Participate?
By sending samples or suggesting species, you will improve the chances that a species of interest to your research projects will have a reference genome sequence available for analysis. Please note however that technical issues may interfere and that there is no guarantee that samples provided by Ambassadors will eventually lead to a reference genome, nor is there a commitment to a precise timeline. As an Ambassador, you will influence the future of marine genomic and contribute to a better understanding of biodiversity.
To learn more and get started, visit: https://www.atlasea.fr/en/species-ambassadors/
If you have any questions, please write to: ambassadors@atlasea.fr
On behalf of the ATLASea coordination team