Bigger, better data sets with lower risks to field teams
Using eDNA to investigate fish biodiversity is beneficial in terms of cost effectiveness as well as in ethical and conservation matters, unlocking bigger fish datasets.
A collaboration between
Project Snapshot
Overview
NatureMetrics has a commercial partnership with NIRAS, formerly AquaBiota, and we have delivered over 40 eDNA projects in Swedish Freshwater ecosystems, in the Baltic Sea and in the Arctic for clients in hydropower, offshore wind and local government, and one of those projects is highlighted here.
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The Challenge
The client was asked to map the fish community in Gåsefjärden, part of the Karlskrona archipelago in Sweden, by the Blekinge County Administrative Board. They wanted to use both eDNA and net fishing in order to compare the two methods and gain the maximum amount of data.
Our Role
With our support, the client undertook sampling at 45 stations using net fishing and at 17 stations using eDNA sampling methods. 16 stations used both methods. A single 3-litre water sample was collected at each of the sampling stations for eDNA analysis which had little impact on the environment compared to the net fishing technique.
The Findings
The Impact
The company can generate bigger data sets with lower risks to field teams using eDNA, particularly when investigating fish biodiversity, meaning eDNA can be beneficial in terms of cost effectiveness as well as in ethical and conservation matters.
