ONLINE: “Seaside Chats is an annual speaker series about ocean science and conservation topics associated with [Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary](https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/).”

**February 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. (CT) – *Coral Forensics in the Deep Flower Garden Banks***

“Like all marine animals, corals leave behind genetic traces in their environment. Scientists refer to these genetic traces as environmental DNA or eDNA. Similar to forensics, marine biologists can sequence this eDNA to determine what animals have passed through an area or are nearby but not easily seen. Learn how Luke McCartin sequences eDNA to better understand the corals that live in the deepest waters of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, even when he can’t see them!”

*Presented by Luke McCartin, Graduate Researcher, Lehigh University*
[Register for Webinar](https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/exit.html?url=https%3A%2F%2Fattendee.gotowebinar.com%2Fregister%2F5925574254078768727)

Find the full schedule of Seaside Chats at [https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/education/seasidechats.html](https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/education/seasidechats.html)

*Photo courtesy of NOAA National Center for Coastal Ocean Science and the CYCLE project*