Understanding the benefits and limitations of Environmental DNA for monitoring biodiversity

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an innovative and increasingly used approach for biodiversity monitoring. Often held up as a solution to many biodiversity-related problems, it has a range of impressive capabilities and benefits to business - improving the cost effectiveness and breadth of possible biodiversity surveys. 

It is particularly powerful in the early stages of project planning to understand potential species presence, and when used in combination with other methods to expand, sense check and triangulate results it can provide an enhanced understanding of biodiversity at project sites. 

However, the technology is also complex and has substantial limitations which are important to understand when managing biodiversity risks. Here we outline the benefits and limitations of the technology and recent advances, alongside recommendations and guidance to allow businesses to get the most out of eDNA technologies.

Key highlights from this briefing note:

• What environmental DNA technologies are
• When and how to use eDNA effectively
• Implications for businesses and key recommendations

Category: Industry Briefing Notes