A newly funded project, RC-201576 led by Dr. Katherine Strickler from Washington State University, will accelerate the transfer of emerging environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to field use. This non-destructive, highly sensitive technology, initially researched and demonstrated under project RC-201204 and other related SERDP/ESTCP projects, utilizes DNA extracted from water samples to detect in a targeted manner aquatic species and pathogens of interest to Department of Defense (DoD) managers.

The project team is creating a web-based eDNA information portal targeted at DoD and other practitioners. This portal will compile existing resources into a single knowledge base, create new content to communicate eDNA techniques, applications, and training tools, and it will facilitate exchange of resources, technical advice, lessons learned, and other information to help promote use of eDNA methods among DoD and other end users. This project will provide a valuable resource to managers across the DoD to exchange eDNA-related information, along with housing DoD-specific research and monitoring information. The online toolkit will position the DoD in a leadership role for transitioning eDNA technology to natural resource managers to enable informed monitoring and management plans.

This project, along with thirteen others, was funded under a special solicitation released this year by ESTCP. This solicitation requested proposals to develop innovative technology transfer approaches that targeted the DoD end-user community. An array of approaches was funded, targeting the specific needs of multiple end-user communities. Other project selections can be found on the SERDP and ESTCP website's Program News page.