Using a novel approach called environmental DNA (eDNA), aquatic species can be identified in water samples from the genetic material contained in discarded tissue (e.g., fish scales, mucus). This approach provides a non-invasive, cost effective, and reliable method for monitoring the presence and distribution of fish in water bodies. Current fish monitoring approaches are often challenging (e.g., cost, safety) to implement in the high energy environments targeted for tidal energy development and eDNA can provide a reliable alternative. Here, we collected eDNA in the tidal channel near the PNNL-Sequim campus to assess how assemblages of fish species vary between depths, months, tidal stages, and tidal cycles, to evaluate whether the approach could become a reliable tool to monitor fish species of concern around tidal energy projects.
PNNL Presenters: Owen Leiser and Lenaig Hemery
Webinar Recording: