New strategy to unlock USGS eDNA capabilities

It turns out that we already have the tools to do just that. Using a small sample of water, scientists can look for genetic material left behind by anything that has a genome—a kind of genetic fingerprint of a species made up of DNA—which scientists call environmental DNA, or eDNA.

Aquatic biodiversity, the number of species in freshwater and marine systems, is important to cultures and economies, as well as to the health of societies and ecosystems. Using powerful, non-destructive tools like eDNA sampling, scientists and water, land and municipal managers can assess and predict biodiversity trends wherever they need them, from individual ponds to river systems and even the ocean.

Recognizing the power of this tool and the importance of tracking aquatic biodiversity, the White House Office of Science, Technology, and Policy (OSTP) convened experts from multiple federal agencies to develop aNational Water Environment DNA StrategyAs part of a larger OSTP works to advance sustainable ocean managementThe strategy will enable federal agencies and partners to effectively utilize eDNA as a testing tool.

Developed by an interagency Environmental DNA Task Force that includes U.S. Geological Survey environmental DNA experts, the strategy opens the door for scientists to comprehensively catalog and monitor aquatic life in U.S. waters and at home and abroad, providing a deep understanding of the nation’s aquatic biodiversity—from microbes to whales.

It also calls for strengthening national eDNA capabilities through a coordinated collaborative effort that combines scientific, entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts, as well as public and private investments.

The USGS is answering this call by continuing to develop and invest in eDNA technologies, such as autonomous eDNA sampling platforms, which USGS scientists have been working to improve over the past 10 years. We are also continuing to work toward consensus and implementation of standard guidelines to make eDNA a reliable, actionable part of biological observation and monitoring, what scientists call biomonitoring.

Since 2022, USGS eDNA research has focused primarily on developing information infrastructure, tools, and methods in collaboration with sister agencies at DOI to support the National Early Detection Rapid Response Framework funded by the Ecosystem Restoration portion of the bipartisan Infrastructure Act. The EDRR Framework is an interagency biomonitoring effort focused on creating eDNA sampling processes and tools to improve early detection of invasive species, expand capacity to implement eDNA monitoring in locally led partnerships, and connect isolated pieces of information.

In addition to the EDRR framework, across the country, USGS scientists are working with partners to use eDNA methods to understand ecosystems and make management decisions. Some recent examples of this work include:

• Helped develop and provide the scientific basis for a long-term, large-scale invasive carp monitoring program led by U.S. Fish and Wildlife;
• Identify specific research needed to realize the potential of eDNA as a tool for freshwater and marine biodiversity monitoring, such as effective statistical tools and robotic samplers;
• using eDNA to detect threatened and endangered species, culturally important species, and pollinators;
• working with tribal nations to use eDNA to understand the spread of Burmese pythons in south Florida, European green crabs in Puget Sound, and aquatic invasive species in the upper Midwest;
• Use eDNA in marine environments to monitor deep-sea communities within the U.S. Economic Exclusion Zone, monitor marine communities in areas impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and assess coral community recovery.

For more than a decade, USGS scientists have been at the forefront of eDNA tool development, publishing more than 100 scientific articles that develop, improve, or apply eDNA tools. The release of this National eDNA Strategy enables managers to use eDNA results for decision making. The USGS will continue to invest in the research, development, and application of eDNA science to support managers who want to use this tool to inform policy and decision making.

About the eDNA Task Force

The eDNA Working Group was formed by the National Science and Technology Council’s Environment Committee’s Marine Science and Technology Team (SOST) to develop a national strategy for DNA in aquatic environments. The team included participants from 15 federal agencies and conducted scoping and engagement with the private sector, academia, and nonprofit organizations.