Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology Biodiversity Interagency Working Group eDNA Task Team Strategy and Meeting Support
Abstract
As environmental DNA (eDNA) research and technologies grow and advance, researchers, government agencies, industry representatives,private foundations, and other stakeholders will need to work together to accelerate the incorporation of marine eDNA science into environmental monitoring and management protocols. This includes recognizing and addressing primary impediments to eDNA-method adoption. To address these challenges, a Task Team of the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology Biodiversity Interagency Working Group was created in January 2022 to advance adoption of eDNA technologies into environmental research and operational monitoring to address mission objectives and management needs at local, regional, and federal levels. An important element of this effort is to reduce uncertainty in eDNA data through the development of standards and best practices by coordination of federal eDNA activities. eDNA Task Team members will collectively execute a variety of tasks to this end, as outlined in the Team Team#s scope of work. In parallel, in September 2022, the broader eDNA community (including federal and non-federal representatives) gathered at the 2nd NationalWorkshop on Marine Environmental DNA with a goal to accelerate the incorporation of marine eDNA science into environmental management. Outcomes from that workshop indicated that better communication, coordination, and harmonization across the federal government, industry, academia, etc. are needed to fully harness the advantages of the eDNA approach. One way to achieve this would be through the development and implementation of a National eDNA Strategy. A National eDNA Strategy could help the growing number of federal agencies utilizing eDNA to share and coordinate interests, approaches, and priorities; to develop congruent implementation plans to operationalize eDNA monitoring for environmental management; and to harness biotechnology to support the growing Blue Economy. With support from the Officeof Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the eDNA Task Team has been tasked with leading the development of sucha Strategy as a part of its scope of work.In order for the eDNA Task Team to accomplish its desired objectives, and to complete theNational eDNA Strategy, an Executive Secretary is needed to keep the group organized and on schedule. This proposal seeks funds to support a Center for Ocean Leadership (COL) Program Specialist, housed at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Community Programs (UCP), to serve in the Executive Secretary role for the eDNA Task Team and ensure successful competition of the Task Team#s desired objectives and of a National eDNA Strategy. Administrative support outlined in this proposal includes organizing eDNA Task Team meetings and ensuring timely completion of Task Team actions. It also includes coordinating the eDNA Task Team National eDNA Strategy writing team, OSTP, and others on the development of the Strategy, ensuring timely and successful completion of the document. The eDNA Task Team meets every other month for one hour. The Strategy writing team co-chairs and the writing team will each meet weekly from March 2023 through completion of the Strategy, anticipated in June 2024. The goals of this project directly align withthe Office of Naval Research#s (ONR) mission to #discover, develop, and deliver new technology and capability for the Navy#1 by ensuring that eDNA technologies are well-developed and ready for full operationalization. The final deliverable for this proposed project will be the completed National Marine eDNA Strategy. A final technical and financial report will be provided upon completion of the award, as well as progress reports, as requested by ONR.Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312470
Entities
People
- Katharine Fillingham
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research