Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

This project will demonstrate the commercial value of applying environmental DNA (eDNA) to inform both resource management and resource development initiatives affecting one of the most important cultural and economic fish species in BC and the Yukon - salmon. The project will use eDNA to follow how Chinook Salmon use aquatic habitats along their longest migration route in North America - the Yukon River. We will demonstrate the value of applying eDNA for the identification of Chinook habitat use during the critical spawning period. If successful, eDNA has the potential to replace existing highly invasive monitoring techniques widely used by environmental scientists and consultants and provides cost-effective and highly accurate information on species living in a water body or upstream from it based on identifying their DNA in water samples. Hemmera, a Vancouver based environmental consulting firm, is currently developing the technical specifications for eDNA procedures for the Province of British Columbia and is implementing initial commercial applications for clients. To more fully realize the potential of eDNA, Hemmera aims to demonstrate the value of the technology for broader species management such as in population management/enhancement or to better mitigate potential adverse effects related to large resource development projects. Hemmera is partnering with Yukon College/Yukon Research Centre for this project and is uniquely positioned to bring technical and practical eDNA experience to the team with technical and professional biologist staff in both Yukon and British Columbia. Yukon College is contributing key mathematical modeling expertise, additional administrative support and will use their position as a nexus in the Yukon research, regulatory and industry communities to disseminate and communicate the results of this study.