eDNA enables data on species and ecosystems to be generated at unprecedented scales using DNA traces that organisms leave behind in the environment, especially in water. A simple kit is used to filter water from lakes, rivers or oceans, capturing the DNA traces the filter membrane, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis. In the lab, the DNA is sequenced and sequences are compared against a reference library to identify the species they came from. A single sample of just a litre of water can reveal hundreds of species, ranging from bacteria to blue whales and including both species that live in the water and those living on land nearby. The ease of sampling enables biodiversity to be surveyed in more places, more often, and by a wider range of stakeholders, providing the evidence-base for effective conservation, impact mitigation and restoration of our natural resources.

The Environmental Benefits

• •1L of river water can provide as much data on the fish community as up to 10 years of annual electrofishing surveys
• •For surveying terrestrial mammals, eDNA can detect 25% more species than camera traps for half the cost
• •Over 90% reduction in CO2 emissions achievable in some locations through use of on-site personnel to conduct biodiversity surveys using eDNA, rather than flying in teams of ecologists to conduct conventional surveys
• •Over 10 times more sensitive to detect some invasive species at low population levels compared with conventional surveillance, enabling faster response for control and management to prevent further spread

The Financial Benefits

• •75% cheaper than mainstream alternative survey methodologies for some species
• •Hundreds of species can be surveyed with eDNA for the same cost as a single species surveyed with conventional methods

Target client profile

• Public Authorities
• Business

Activity Region

• Headquarters
• Activity

Company Profile