We are eDNAtec

We are harnessing the power of environmental DNA technology to empower ocean-based industries and improve the health of our oceans.

Advanced genomics technology reads DNA from all organisms – from viruses to marine mammals – to generate insights for the world’s ocean industries.

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The EnviroSeq® Genomics Workflow

Seven rigorous steps that yield repeatable, reproducible, and accurate results.

EnviroSeq® is an end-to-end standard operating procedure that has been hardened and tested through hundreds of genomics projects delivered around the world in harsh field conditions and remote locations. Every step is critical to ensure consistent quality and reliable results.

Globally, environmental genomics has evolved from small-scale artisanal projects to industrial applications. The EnviroSeq® Genomics Workflow sets the world standard and assures a disciplined, standardized protocol supported by quality assurance and quality control procedures. Clients can rely on EnviroSeq® to support critical decisions.

Program Design

A complex process of planning, coordination and alignment of critical project activities.

Modelling an eDNA survey is a critical and complex process. It involves the planning, coordination and alignment of several activities, such as defining the scope, site selection, sampling strategy, marine logistics, choice of target DNA markers and DNA primer(s) for their amplification, depth of DNA sequencing, and other factors to ultimately deliver a comprehensive report that is targeted to the client's requirements.

Calibration

Understanding local conditions.

Every environment is different, and it is sometimes necessary to perform pilot studies to understand eDNA dynamics in previously unstudied regions. Factors such as: water temperature, hydrology, turbidity, richness of biodiversity, and composition of species will all affect recommendations on how to conduct a successful eDNA program.

Sample

Collect environmental samples of interest.

Using eDNAtec's standardized collection protocols, the retrieval of eDNA will have little or no impact on the ecosystem or sampled populations, unlike traditional sampling techniques such as trawling, as no direct interaction with organisms is required to collect eDNA samples.

Isolate

Extract environmental DNA to target species identification genes.

eDNA samples are extracted using eDNAtec's standard operating protocols, and target gene regions are amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This requires an understanding of which species (or groups of organisms) are of interest, and may require the development of new 'PCR primers' that will amplify DNA from the target groups.

Sequence

Read DNA sequences.

Using the most advanced high throughput technologies available, including the Illumina MiSeq and NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platforms. These are the same technologies used in advanced medical labs for various molecular diagnostic protocols.

Analyze

Process sequence data using custom-designed bioinformatics software.

A typical survey will generate tens of millions or even billions of DNA sequences, which must pass through rigorous QC/QA checks and then be compared against a reference database of species to identify organisms.

Interpret

Produce comprehensive biodiversity reports with actionable information.

eDNA analyses produce such a large amount of data with such high precision and accuracy that it enables views of the environment that were previously impossible. From high-confidence predictive models about species distribution to reconstructing ecological food webs to the early detection of invasive species, eDNA technology empowers decision makers with better information.

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Learn more about our business and the emerging science that supports the world’s ocean industries and improves the health of our oceans.

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Featured Scientist

Dr. Mehrdad Hajibabaei PhD

Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, eDNAtec

Dr. Hajibabaei is an internationally recognized leader in molecular biodiversity and genomics technologies with over 140 peer-reviewed publications. He is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics and Department of Integrative Biology of the University of Guelph, specializing in the development and application of cutting-edge technologies for rapid and accurate analysis of biological diversity from genes to ecosystems. Hajibabaei has served on advisory and review panels for various international organizations and funding agencies and has collaborated with regulatory agencies, NGOs and industry. 

Specialties:

Genomics, Molecular Biology, Molecular Ecology, Molecular Evolution, Biodiversity, Bioinformatics, Environmental Genomics, Biomonitoring 

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