Environmental DNA/eDNA

We do research on everything from offshore wind farms to plastic particles

Fish, bottom-dwelling creatures, algae – all living organisms in water – leave traces of DNA. When we examine a water sample, we primarily find DNA traces from fish through their mucus and feces. The DNA can also come from eggs, milt, roe, pieces of whole animals, seaweed, or entire organisms such as single-celled algae or bacteria. DNA from living organisms is found everywhere in nature and is collectively referred to as environmental DNA (eDNA). Environmental DNA is a relatively new and highly useful tool in environmental research.

We have conducted baseline surveys in connection with possible future deep-sea mineral extraction, monitored impacts from offshore wind installations, aquaculture, and oil and gas extraction – fish, bottom-dwellers, and other living organisms are influenced by various factors. We have also mapped fish and human pathogenic organisms and microorganisms associated with plastic particles. Simultaneously, we use environmental DNA to track salmonids in freshwater and to study past biological diversity and the biological carbon pump (see more about this under aDNA).