Benefits of eDNA

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Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a survey method which is simple to implement, cost efficient and easily incorporated into existing monitoring regimes. eDNA provides our natural resource managers the capability to implement broad scale sampling regimes to define presence absence of aquatic biota. Entire catchments can be valued in days with respect to their aquatic biodiversity, gaining a picture at both temporal and spatial scales which would never be implementable utilising existing methodologies. 

With eDNA you can directly measure habitat utilisation preferences, distribution and diversity in a single water sample. Managers can present more clearly the condition of our waterways and better demonstrate the need for conservation and rehabilitation programs. eDNA is a truly innovative development, improving sustainability and supporting our role as environmental custodians.

In summary, eDNA presents a step change in natural resources management, removing data collection barriers and giving clients access to information that is both timely and cost effective.

Having survey teams in the field is costly. Mobilisation, equipment, extended days, weather delays, staffing, accommodation and transport all present significant outlays. eDNA sampling is quick and can be completed with a reduced field team. Traditional methods for screening a waterway may limit works to 3-4 sites per day. eDNA sampling takes 10min per site, meaning that a team of two can sample +20 sites in a single day.

The spatial distribution of survey data can be greatly extended using eDNA. Surveys can now provide findings at the catchment scale, delivering an improved understanding of ecosystem condition.

 Any once-off survey (traditional or eDNA) provides a snapshot of condition at that time. Stringing these survey events together increases the power of the method. The constraints of cost, logistics, safety and schedule limit the suitability of traditional survey methods. However, replicate surveys using eDNA are not constrained by these factors, allowing managers to improve their monitoring programs to capture temporal variability. 

eDNA gives better results in species detection than traditional methods. eDNA analysis is highly sensitive, particularly when comparing rare, cryptic or low density species. 

eDNA collection does not present a significant change to the way organizations undertake their works.