eDNA Websites
- USGS — Environmental DNA research and applications from the U.S. Geological Survey.
- Aarhus University — Danish centre for eDNA research, explaining what eDNA is and how it is used.
- The University of Maine — eDNA laboratory and research initiatives at UMaine.
- Biomer — Field-deployable eDNA testing and analysis solutions.
- Biodiversity Institute of Ontario — Leading centre for DNA-based species identification and biodiversity science.
- Barcode of Life Data System — Global reference library of DNA barcodes for species identification.
- Norwegian Barcode of Life — National node for DNA barcoding efforts in Norway.
- International Barcode of Life — Global consortium advancing DNA barcoding as a standard for species identification.
Articles
- Environmental DNA – Ocean Water — Knowable Magazine explores how eDNA is transforming marine biodiversity surveys.
- Environmental DNA and the hunt for marine species — Overview of how trace DNA in seawater helps detect elusive marine life.
Videos
- Introduction to environmental DNA from USGS — Primer on eDNA concepts and field sampling techniques.
- Methods in Ecology — metabarcoding applications — How metabarcoding is used to assess biodiversity from environmental samples.
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, has emerged as a powerful tool for fisheries management and marine conservation in the North Atlantic region. By analysing genetic material shed by organisms into water samples, researchers and fisheries authorities can detect the presence of species without direct observation. This non-invasive approach is particularly valuable for monitoring flatfish populations, tracking invasive species, and assessing biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. The technology supports more informed decision-making in fisheries management, helping to ensure sustainable harvesting practices. As Nordic and North Atlantic countries increasingly adopt eDNA methods, cross-border collaboration has become essential for standardising protocols and sharing reference data across institutions and jurisdictions.
The application of eDNA technology aligns closely with modern fisheries control and enforcement objectives. Traditional monitoring methods often require costly and time-consuming at-sea inspections, but eDNA sampling can complement remote electronic monitoring systems and gear inspections. By detecting the presence of species in specific areas, authorities can better assess compliance with fishing regulations, including gear closures and bycatch restrictions. This scientific approach strengthens the evidence base for management decisions and supports the effective implementation of strict fishing rules. Partnerships between research institutions and regulatory bodies are vital for integrating eDNA data into operational frameworks, enhancing the overall effectiveness of fisheries control and inspection programmes across the region.
Collaborative projects funded by organisations such as the Nordic Council of Ministers have facilitated knowledge transfer and networking among stakeholders in the fisheries sector. These initiatives bring together scientists, industry representatives, and management authorities from Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Denmark, and beyond to explore how eDNA and other innovative technologies can improve coastal fisheries management. Workshops, conferences, and makeathons organised by these partnerships aim to identify practical solutions for real-world challenges. By sharing expertise and resources, participants work toward developing standardised approaches for species identification, catch registration, and ecosystem monitoring. This cooperative framework strengthens the capacity of individual nations to implement science-based fisheries policies while fostering long-term sustainability in North Atlantic waters.
Conferences
- MOBeDNA Conference 2019 — Reykjavík, Iceland, October 2–3, 2019. An open conference on monitoring biodiversity using eDNA, hosted by the Nordic Council of Ministers funded research network.
