Why is this research important to Alberta?

• Alberta’s wetlands and natural ecosystems are under increasing pressure from climate change, land-use change, and resource development.
• Environmental policy decisions rely on timely, accurate information about biodiversity, species at risk, and invasive species.
• Current monitoring approaches are often slow, expensive, and limited in geographic or taxonomic scope.
• Delays in data availability can postpone management actions, increase the costs, and reduce the effectiveness of those actions.

This project aligns with Alberta priorities in environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, and innovation by enabling faster, cost-effective genomic monitoring tools validated by conventional approaches.

What is the goal of this work? How will genomics be used?

• Develop and validate a portable, near-real-time environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing system that can be used directly in the field.
• Use bulk tissue samples (e.g., aquatic macroinvertebrate samples) or water samples containing naturally shed DNA to identify which species are present.
• Combine portable laboratory equipment and DNA sequencers with simplified, user-friendly analysis software.
• Identify wetland plants, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic or semi-aquatic vertebrates within two days of sampling.
• Test and validate the approach alongside standardized wetland biodiversity survey programs run by the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
• Produce standard operating procedures, analysis tools, and training resources so field crews with limited genomics experience can use the method.

What are the expected benefits, and how will the research findings be shared?

• Reduce the time and cost required to conduct biodiversity monitoring compared to conventional methods.
• Provide enhanced biodiversity information by increasing the taxonomic resolution that can be achieved, resulting in a greater number of species detected, including rare or invasive species.
• Enable near-term in-field responses, reducing the need for costly redeployment of field crews.
• Improve environmental management, conservation planning, and monitoring efficiency across Alberta.
• Expand Alberta’s capacity and expertise in applied genomics and environmental monitoring.

Findings will be shared through open-access datasets, peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, training workshops, and plain-language summaries distributed through partner organizations and public platforms.

Related Resources

Related information can be accessed through:

• Industry partner website: Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute
• Industry partner website: Conserving Canada’s Wetlands | Ducks Unlimited Canada
• Research partner website: InnoTech Alberta | Solving Real Industry Challenges