Session 9 – Workshop: Environmental DNA Monitoring for Aquatic Resources Professionals

COVID-19 Protocols – As the main conference organizer, the Mitchell Center is required to have conference attendees follow University of Maine System COVID-19 protocols. Please go to the COVID-19 page for more information.

Afternoon Session: 1:30PM-4:00PM

Howard Room (First Floor, North Wing)

Afternoon break is from 2:30PM – 3:00PM in the auditorium.

Session Chairs:
Dr. Michael Kinnison, Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment, Maine-eDNA EPSCoR Program, Environmental DNA CORE Facility, University of Maine, Orono, ME
Dr. Karen James, Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment, Maine-eDNA EPSCoR Program, University of Maine, Orono, ME

The quantification of DNA that organisms shed into their environment, called “environmental DNA” (or “eDNA”), is quickly becoming an important species monitoring technique for natural resource professionals. Many agencies have begun adopting eDNA monitoring to supplement other approaches, and many NGO, industry, and public interest groups have gravitated toward eDNA sampling to increase their monitoring participation. However, while eDNA monitoring brings many benefits, it also brings some unique conceptual and technical considerations that influence the success and interpretation of projects. This 2-hour, introductory eDNA workshop is designed specifically for diverse natural resources professionals (e.g., agency, NGO, industry, public interest group backgrounds) and does NOT require prior genetics training. The goal of the workshop is to equip participants with fundamentals needed to gather eDNA data themselves, or to evaluate eDNA work by others. Session topics will include:

  1. What is eDNA? – sources and fate in nature, techniques for quantification
  2. Sampling eDNA – designing and conducting surveys
  3. Processing eDNA – storage, filtering, working with labs
  4. Understanding eDNA data – common data types, interpretation caveats

We will conclude the workshop with a panel of natural resources professionals who will discuss their own experiences working with eDNA in real-world settings.