Improved environmental DNA sampling methods for aquatic species monitoring

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Hemmera is an award-winning, full-service Canadian environmental consulting firm that has been involved with many high profile projects in British Columbia requiring environmental impact assessments and monitoring of diverse habitats. Part of Hemmera's mission is to "create opportunities for clients by going beyond providing them with technical services and extends to delivering customized solutions and positive impacts". Environmental DNA (eDNA) represents an exciting innovation in environmental assessment and monitoring. Rather than having to directly observe a species of interest, water samples from suspected animal habitats can be collected and tested for the presence of DNA sloughed off from the animal's cells. This simple, cost-effective, non-invasive sampling method therefore is a revolutionary technique that has the potential to provide more accurate distribution data on species of concern than traditional methods. Hemmera is highly motivated to incorporate the use of eDNA into their service-base, however the current methods of collection and analysis of water samples is not optimized or standardized for field use. Through a new collaboration with the University of Victoria partner, Dr. Caren Helbing, the proposed initiative will examine a streamlined method developed in the Helbing lab that promises to be simpler, faster, and more cost effective than current eDNA methods. Experiments measuring the effect of UV light and pH will be undertaken to establish the impact of these environmental factors on eDNA detection. This initiative will provide valuable information that can immediately be applied to samples collected in field assessments.