Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) is DNA that is naturally shed by organisms into their environment, such as streams, rivers, oceans, soils, even in fecal matter. By sampling the habitat in which species live, we can detect their presence without having to capture, handle, or even see the organisms we are looking for.
From conserving biodiversity to aquaculture monitoring, environmental DNA (eDNA) tools are proving to be reliable, sensitive, species-specific, and safe for the organisms being studied and the habitats in which they live. We have a growing number of DNA laboratory partners so that we can provide eDNA services where you work.
Compared to conventional survey methods involving capture or observation, eDNA tools are more cost-effective, safer for field staff, and can provide rapid results in the field to detect the species being studied, with the potential to shave substantial time off of your project schedule.
Whether used as another survey tool in the toolbox, or on its own, the applications of eDNA methods are expanding rapidly and the benefits are clear.
For more information contact eDNA@stantec.com.
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