Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering (CAS)

Coral reef

Environment and Biodiversity

MGI protects life’s code through gene technology to build a sustainable future for Earth’s ecosystems.

The study of environment and biodiversity explores the structure and function of Earth’s ecosystems and their relation to biodiversity. It spans genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, analysing environmental change and human impact. MGI, with its DNBSEQ sequencing technology, accurately detects “life signals” in environments. It helps scientists analyse genetic information of endangered species, track ecosystem changes, and uncover ecological balance patterns. This provides crucial data for protecting endangered species, monitoring invasive species, and addressing climate change.

Biodiversity Monitoring

Study the distribution rules of species and communities across geographical scales, the role of biodiversity in ecosystem stability and functions, and the impact of global warming and precipitation changes on species adaptability and community structures. Also predict future ecosystem responses.

Featured Study: A 2025 paper in Nature Communications featured a team using the DNBSEQ-T Series platform to analyse sediment samples spanning 6,000 years from Adelie penguin colonies on Ross Island and East Victoria Coast. This research revealed population dynamics and historical distribution of penguins and local species, offering key insights into Antarctic ecosystem evolution and biodiversity conservation.

Invasive Species Monitoring

Focuses on spread paths, competitive mechanisms, and damage of invasive species to local ecosystems. Develops early warning and integrated management technologies, and assesses how climate change intensifies invasion risks.

Case: In 2024, blackchin tilapia disrupted Thai waters’ ecosystems. Thailand’s Department of Fisheries used MGI’s ATOPlex Mifish + DNBSEQ-E25 + MetaSIS to rapidly monitor and detect these invasive species, supporting ecological protection efforts.

Water Environment Testing

Analyses toxic effects of pollutants like microplastics and heavy metals on organisms and their ecosystem transmission. Monitors wastewater pathogens for disease prevention and public health policy support.

Highlight: Researchers from CSIRO Land and Water, MGI, and others detected the Omicron variant in international flight wastewater arriving in Australia, showcasing wastewater’s role in non-invasive virus monitoring.

Fisheries Management

Estimates fish stocks, monitors fish distribution, conducts dynamic monitoring during no-fishing zones/periods, evaluates fishing ban effectiveness, and provides scientific evidence for fishery resource recovery.

Research Methods

Environmental DNA Technology

  • DNA from organisms accumulates in water, soil, and sediment.
  • DNA is extracted from environmental samples.
  • PCR amplification and high-throughput sequencing enable qualitative and quantitative biological analysis.

Wastewater-based Epidemiological Surveillance

  • Analyses nucleic acids, metabolites, or biomarkers in wastewater.
  • Real-time health monitoring at the community level without individual testing.
  • Low cost, broad coverage, effective for early disease warnings.


Classic Application Case

16S rDNA Sequencing Empowers Deep-sea Microbiome Research

The deep sea provides unique conditions for studying the origin and diversity of life. BGI Group, with the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering (CAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and HKUST, explored the South China Sea cold seep area to study microbial communities.

  • Used DNBSEQ platform to detect bacteria and archaea uncultured by humans.
  • Gained insights into deep-sea microbial biogeochemical mechanisms.
  • Haima Cold Seep offers critical data on deep-sea biodiversity and evolution.

The DNBSEQ-E25 sequencer, built for rough conditions, provides onboard sequencing data. Along with ATOPlex 16S V4 rDNA reagents and MetaSIS software, it enables same-day reporting—perfect for expeditions.

Customer Voice

Genetic Technology Protects Thailand’s Coastline

In 2025, to mark 50 years of China-Thailand diplomatic ties, Thailand’s National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), under NSTDA, partnered with MGI. Using MGI’s sequencing platform and support from BIOTEC’s National Omics Centre, they’re developing new gene-based solutions to protect mangrove ecosystems and preserve Thailand’s coastlines.