Terms of Reference

Guidance on the use of targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis for the management of Aquatic Invasive Species and Species at Risk

National Peer Review – National Capital Region

July 6-8, 2020
Virtual meeting

Chairpersons: Shauna Baillie and Sophie Foster

Context

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is defined herein as DNA that can be extracted from bulk environmental samples, such as water, biofilms, or sediment, and analyzed to infer presence or absence of species in an ecosystem. eDNA detection is developing rapidly as a sensitive and non-invasive genetic method that can be used to monitor the occurrence and distribution of aquatic species. However, the rapid evolution of eDNA technologies, coupled with the complexity of environmental samples, has led to challenges with the estimation of uncertainty associated with the results of eDNA studies.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), through the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Species at Risk (SAR) programs, has identified the need for guidance on the use of eDNA in support of decision making for the management of aquatic species and ecosystems. This need also was recognized by the National Aquatic Invasive Species Committee (NAISC), which hosts members from each province and territory to promote national coordination and collaboration on AIS-related issues. While some guidelines, best practices, and standards for eDNA currently exist (see Goldberg et al., 2016), the scientific community continues to advance towards standardization of eDNA research and practices (e.g., Canadian Standards Association, 2019). As applications for eDNA methods continue to be researched and developed, guidance is needed for DFO managers who are using, or considering the use of, eDNA results in support of day-to-day decision making on AIS and SAR.

Through this CSAS process, key terms and concepts relating to targeted eDNA approaches (i.e., using species-specific assays, in contrast to semi-targeted approaches, such as metabarcoding) will be defined, and reporting guidelines and a reporting template for communicating eDNA results to management will be developed. A DFO state of knowledge paper on eDNA (Baillie et al., 2019) will be used as a background document for developing this guidance.

Objectives

The goal of this CSAS process is to provide guidance on the use of targeted eDNA approaches (with respect to eDNA sampling, detection, and analysis) for AIS and SAR to encourage more consistent reporting and interpretation of eDNA results. Specific objectives are to:

1. Define the scientific terms and concepts associated with eDNA technologies and techniques;
2. Provide minimum reporting guidelines and a reporting template for management and eDNA practitioners with considerations related to: (i) study design; (ii) field methods; (iii) laboratory methods for targeted eDNA approaches; and (iv) results; and
3. Provide an accompanying guidance document for items included in the reporting template, with a brief explanation of associated limitations, caveats, and best practices.

Expected Publications

• Science Advisory Report
• Research Document(s)

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
• Provincial/territorial governments facilitated through NAISC

References

Baillie, S.M., McGowan, C., May-McNally, S., Leggatt, R., Sutherland, B., and Robinson, S. 2019. Environmental DNA and its applications to Fisheries and Oceans Canada: National needs and priorities. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 3329: xiv + 84p.

Canadian Standards Association 2019. Environmental DNA standardization needs for fish and wildlife population assessments and monitoring.

Goldberg, C., Turner, C., Deiner, K., Klymus, K., Thomsen, P., Murphy, M., . . . Taberlet, P. 2016. Critical considerations for the application of environmental DNA methods to detect aquatic species. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 7(11): 1299-1307.