eDNA

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic material that organisms shed into water, air, or soil. We now have the technological ability to capture this eDNA and test it for the presence of a variety of organisms from bacteria to sharks. eDNA has its plusses and minuses as a tool, and there's still a lot to develop. However, it's becoming a useful tool in the environmental toolkit. Here's a few resources for you on your eDNA journey, whether you just want to learn more or are ready to get started. And if you are a Mainer, we have some special community-science opportunities for you. Check it out!

Learn

Maine-eDNA "Intro to eDNA" Playlist : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAIQcWA6B3RUxeQ0AzqXKj1BQpWilUC99

eDNA Collaborative resources - https://www.ednacollab.org/

eDNA Explorer Resources -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ihu8smical86m0z9HYE-6zSKfELrB0zHdpTuhwaQyuU/edit#heading=h.8z623qe63xdu

GOTeDNA - Temporal eDNA datasets and inference from Maine to the Arctic: https://sites.google.com/view/gotedna/about

USGS eDNA resources - https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/environmental-dna-edna#overview

Community Science

Maine eDNA Community Closet - Interested in eDNA but don't know where to start? Just email me and I'll get your some stuff to try out from our free community closet (open to Mainers only for now). Check out the inventory and contact Erin Grey to borrow something. We have a variety of pumps, filters, tubes, disposable gloves, etc.

Maine K-12 eDNA Program - now in its 4th year, this program helps students and teacher learn about eDNA and collecting and analyze their own samples with animal metabarcoding. Learn more here and contact Erin Grey if you are a teacher or school interested in participating.

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