The Galapagos petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia), a critically endangered seabird endemic to the Galapagos Islands, faces threats from invasive species and habitat destruction. Genomic information is vital in managing endangered species, but it is most beneficial if based on high-quality reference genomes. This study aims to generate the first whole-genome sequence and assembly of P. phaeopygia using Oxford Nanopore Ultra-Long Reads sequenced on a PromethION 2 Solo. A library was prepared using a sample collected from an adult male individual on San Cristobal Island in July of 2024. Sequencing produced 1.8 million reads comprising 22.63 gigabases, an estimated 18x coverage, and a minimum contig length required to cover 50 percent of the assembled genome sequence (N50) of 21,412 bases. The reference genome generated in this study will not only support future population genomic studies, but also provide critical data for the conservation and management of the Galapagos petrel, thereby contributing to efforts to preserve this vulnerable species.

Isabella Sessi is a first-year master’s student at San Francisco State University. She is deeply interested in herpetology and ornithology, both as a professional and a hobbyist. These lifelong interests have played a role in her research focus, in combination with an enthusiasm for conservation biology. Isabella’s thesis entails sequencing and assembling the genome of the critically endangered Galapagos petrel. Through her work, she aims to contribute to the broader understanding of biodiversity and promote effective conservation strategies.