Environmental DNA (eDNA) is becoming a mainstay of non-invasive, reliable, and cost-effective surveys of at-risk and invasive species, pathogen detection, and biodiversity assessment. These approaches rely on the fact that organisms leave their DNA in the environment, making it possible to detect their presence without capture or even direct observation. Reliable eDNA data depend on field and lab rigorous technique because significant biases can occur through the process from the sampling to the data processing, and they greatly influence species detection results.

This workshop will provide a broad overview of the approaches used in eDNA studies for both single-species and multi-species detections. This course will benefit those interested in undertaking or overseeing eDNA studies, or evaluating research proposals and research, especially in management and monitoring applications. The workshop includes lectures, field and lab demonstrations, and hands-on training in analysis and interpretation of data, but does not require detailed knowledge of genetics or molecular biology. We offer a background on sources and fates of eDNA  in the environment, methods and applications with emphasis on design, implementation, analysis and interpretation of species-specific and multi-species eDNA approaches. We will cover advantages and limitations of each , as well as the precautions needed through the whole process to get robust data.