| In this project, ORNL builds on their previous work examining the utility of eDNA for hydropower biological monitoring to assess the feasibility of using environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) for monitoring fish passageways. eDNA and eRNA are DNA and RNA that is shed by organisms living in an ecosystem that can be found in environmental samples such as water, air, and soil and can allow for identification and relative abundance of species (eDNA) and life stage/age and whether a species is currently present in an ecosystem (eRNA). Compared with conventional biological survey methods, surveys conducted using eDNA and eRNA found in water samples can provide more complete and accurate accounts of species at lower costs and with lower personnel hazards. If eDNA and eRNA are found to be useful for monitoring fish passageways, ORNL will use the results for drafting guidance for how, when, and where the use of eDNA/eRNA to monitor fish passageways is indicated. |
