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Project title

Next generation on-site biomonitoring for conservation management: coupling environmental DNA with CRISPR-Cas based technology.

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Endangered and/or vulnerable species are of primary concern to environmental conservation efforts where monitoring of these species is vital to maintaining the balance within the ecosystem of concern and preventing the extinction of the specific species. While this risk is present for many different species across varying ecosystems, my proposed research will focus on freshwater fish species. Specifically, European Eel, pollan, arctic char, brown trout, Twaite shad, river lamprey, Killarney shad, sea lampray and Allis shad within Ireland will be considered. These endemic freshwater Irish fish species are currently listed as threatened and/or vulnerable in both the Irish Red Data Book and the Northern Ireland Priority Species list. My Ph.D proposal will develop DNA based methods that can give results at the water source using a paper strip, similar to a pregnancy test. This approach can be used to detect any species of interest and their source and offers significant potential for the future of not only biodiversity detection but also for pollution and contamination monitoring. The main aim of my research is to implement environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for detection, analysis and monitoring to ultimately lead to the effective preservation of these vulnerable species. eDNA is the term used to describe the DNA derived from a given species that can be collected from the environment in which they reside. I will use an exciting technology known as CRISPR-Cas coupled with a lateral flow paper strip to detect endangered species in eDNA water samples. The main advantage of this approach is that all steps can be performed at a single, relatively low temperature and contrasts with PCR based methods which need to be carried out in a laboratory with trained personnel. This approach will move endangered species monitoring from the laboratory to the field for rapid on-site testing.

Grant Approved

�109,020.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2026