EAS staff have been working on conducting eDNA surveys. Staff collect water samples using a peristaltic pump. A filter attached to the pump collects whatever is in the water and can be analyzed for the presence of certain species. Short for environmental DNA, eDNA is nuclear or mitochondrial DNA released from an organism into the environment via feces, mucous, carcasses, etc. It is diluted into the water column but can be detected by a PCR assay. Results can help detect the presence of rare or cryptic species to confirm if they are present in the survey area.
