Description:
This report focuses on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to investigate climate change vulnerability of wetlands and restoration effectiveness. The eDNA method allows estimation of species richness from collected benthic samples without the need for traditional microscopic taxonomic identification. We are using eDNA metabarcoding method to quantify the genetic composition and the biodiversity of vulnerable wetlands and assess the effects of restoration activities in the context of an adaptive-management framework. eDNA monitoring includes analysis of samples for macroinvertebrates, fish, and diatom genomic sequences to evaluate use of these taxa as a component of wetland effectiveness monitoring. In addition, to the genomics work we are monitoring other key ecosystem attributes including hydrology, SARA-listed species, migratory birds and vegetation and mapping.

Keywords: wetlands; hydrology; climate change

Authors:

Organization: Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners

Category: Hydrologically Vulnerable Wetlands

Focal Area: Columbia Wetlands

Resource Type: Report

Year: 2024