The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) published a new factsheet, Environmental DNA (eDNA) for Monitoring Fish at Marine Energy Project Sites. eDNA is the collection of genetic material shed by organisms in their environment, which enables species detection without direct observation or physical capture, and provides a versatile and cost-effective method for identifying target species across different environments and conducting broad biodiversity assessments. This approach is particularly relevant for monitoring some environmental effects of marine energy devices, such as tidal turbines and wave energy converters, which may pose a risk to marine animals and habitats already under stress from global changes and human activities at sea. eDNA is an efficient monitoring method that is complementary to the commonly used approaches (e.g., optical and acoustic imagery, trawl surveys) and offers a timely solution to overcome challenges and provide reliable field data to assess risks, reduce permitting delays, and facilitate the sustainable development of marine energy projects. More information can be found here.
