Guidance

Planning an eDNA sampling project requires consideration of a number of different elements, including timing, sampling location, number of samples, filter type or precipitation method, sample volume, sample preservation, and lab analysis. The goals of the sampling or monitoring program will drive many of these decisions; for example, sampling location may be focused in a particular habitat in a lake if the objective is to detect a single rare species, or may be more widely distributed if the objectives is to describe aquatic communities of the entire lake. The resources on this page can help design a sampling strategy, select an analytical approach, and interpret results.

*Start with your overall objectives. Are you interested in detecting species presence, or do you need more information about individuals or populations?*

*Assess whether eDNA sampling can give you the information you’re looking for.*

*… including whether it’s likely to improve detection or efficiency.*

*Answering these questions can help you decide if eDNA sampling is the best tool for your project.*

*If your objective is biodiversity monitoring or you have a large number of target species, eDNA metabarcoding might be the best approach.*

*If your detection probabilities are influenced by any measured factors, you can adapt your sampling strategy to optimize detection and efficiency.*

*Environmental DNA sampling is unlikely to completely replace field surveys. Instead, eDNA sampling can be integrated into field surveys for target species.*

*Integrating eDNA and field surveys can address uncertainty in eDNA sampling results.*

*Throughout the project, be vigilant about avoiding contamination and recording and reporting details of your methods and results.*

Other guidance and considerations