PNNL

Using a novel approach called environmental DNA (eDNA), aquatic species can be identified in water samples from the genetic material contained in discarded tissue (e.g., fish scales, mucus). This approach provides a noninvasive, cost-effective, and reliable method for monitoring the presence and distribution of fish in water bodies. Current fish monitoring approaches are often challenging (e.g., cost, safety) to implement in the high-energy environments targeted for tidal energy development, and eDNA can provide a reliable alternative. Here, we collected eDNA in the tidal channel near the PNNL-Sequim campus to assess how assemblages of fish species vary between depths, months, tidal stages, and tidal cycles to evaluate whether the approach could become a reliable tool to monitor fish species of concern around tidal energy projects. 

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