Evaluating eDNA for Use within Marine Environmental Impact Assessments

In this review, the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) within Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is evaluated. EIA documents provide information required by regulators to evaluate potential impact a development project. Currently eDNA being incorporated into biodiversity assessments as complementary method for detecting rare, endangered or invasive species. However, questions have been raised regarding maturity field and suitability evidence EIA. Several key issues are identified generic framework marine environments. First, it challenging define sampling unit optimal strategy with respect project area receptor. Second, assay validation protocols preliminary at time. Third, there statistical around probability obtaining both false positives (identification taxa that not present) negatives (non-detection in results. At minimum, an must quantify uncertainty presence/absence estimates combining series Bernoulli trials ad hoc occupancy models. Finally, fate transport fragments largely unknown systems. Shedding dynamics, biogeochemical physical processes influence be better understood able link signal receptor’s state. The biggest challenge proxy receptor direct measure presence. Nonetheless, more actors enter field, technological solutions likely emerge these issues. already shows great promise baseline descriptions presence species surrounding can aid identification receptors monitoring using other methods.