The Science of Environmental DNA: Past, Present, and Future

The Science of Environmental DNA: Past, Present, and Future

Understanding species distribution is vital to conservation efforts and mitigation policies for effective management, particularly when considering rare or invasive species. In recent years, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a promising tool for sensitive ecological surveys where traditional surveying methods may be cost prohibitive or time-consuming

Presenter:  Jori Harrison, BIT

Location:    Conference Room ‘A’, Husky Conference Centre, Calgary, Plus 30 level, 707-8th Avenue SW
                          (take the escalator up two flights)

Date:             May 24, 2016

Time:            12:00 noon - 1:00 pm  

This presentation is free. For more information please contact Sabina.

This presentation will be available by webinar; the link  is HERE.

Abstract:

Understanding species distribution is vital to conservation efforts and mitigation policies for effective management, particularly when considering rare or invasive species. In recent years, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a promising tool for sensitive ecological surveys where traditional surveying methods may be cost prohibitive or time-consuming. eDNA analysis involves analyzing water samples for short fragments of DNA deposited by the shed skin, excrement, or gametes of aquatic organisms and can be used to monitor numerous types of organisms, including fish, amphibians, and chytrid fungus. This talk will review the history and current state of environmental research, discuss what conclusions can be made from eDNA studies, and look at the potential future of eDNA studies including quantitative analyses and biodiversity estimated.

Presenter Bio:

Jori Harrison, BIT, received her B.Sc. Honours in Biochemistry from the University of Saskatchewan in 2011. After moving to Calgary, she worked as an Environmental Scientist in the Research and Testing Services division of Matrix Solutions where she was involved with projects including population genetics, DNA identification of cryptic plant and animal species, and monitoring bat species for the presence of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of white-nose syndrome. While with this group, Jori designed and helped to implement eDNA analyses for several fish species. Jori is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the University of Calgary, developing an environmental DNA metabarcoding assay for the detection of Alberta’s at-risk fish species.

The ASPB is not responsible for the content of this presentation; the information and views expressed by the presenter(s) are their own.