Government of Canada research facility accredited to international standards for eDNA work for early detection of aquatic invasive species

From: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

News release

February 29, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario - Aquatic invasive species are harmful to Canada’s aquatic plants, animals and habitats. They can cause great economic strain and permanent damage to the aquatic ecosystems and species that Canadians depend on for food, jobs, and culture. The Government of Canada is committed to taking a science-based approach to prevent the introduction, establishment, and spread of aquatic invasive species.

Today, during Invasive Species Awareness Week, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced that Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Gulf Fisheries Centre (GFC) in New Brunswick, is now accredited to the highest of standards for its environmental DNA (eDNA) testing and analyses. On February 15, 2024, the Moncton-based laboratory became DFO’s first International Standards Organization (ISO) 17025 accredited eDNA testing lab for aquatic invasive species. The accreditation certifies that the results produced in the lab meet international standards for accuracy and reliability. It attests to DFO’s contributions to protecting Canada’s aquatic ecosystems through its early detection of aquatic invasive species using innovative tools.

Leveraging eDNA – the genetic material shed by organisms in their environment – is a transformative approach for aquatic invasive species detection. The approach allows researchers to identify the organisms, including invasive ones, within water samples collected from aquatic ecosystems. It allows us to take preventative action sooner as it allows the detection of aquatic invasive species before they can be seen, e.g., at their earliest life stages (such as larvae) when they are hard to visually identify, and when abundance is still low. Combined with other methods, eDNA is an efficient and cost effective tool to support effective management measures such as targeted aquatic invasive species monitoring.  

The Gulf Fisheries Centre, to become the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre in coming years, is already home to an ISO 17025 accredited National Aquatic Animal Health Program diagnostic lab in support of DFO’s aquatic animal health management. This expanded scope of accreditation now including eDNA further demonstrates DFO’s leading diagnostic testing abilities and the strength of their analyses.

Quotes

“When you say that your lab is accredited by the ISO in the science community, heads turn. I would like to congratulate all those involved in one way or another in this prestigious achievement as part of Invasive Species Awareness Week. This accreditation is a testament not only to Fisheries and Oceans Canada's expertise in aquatic invasive species testing, but also to the credibility of their analyses. I look forward to leveraging eDNA work to advance the Department’s work to protect Canada’s aquatic ecosystems.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick facts

  • Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native fish, invertebrate or plant species that have been introduced into a new aquatic environment, outside of their natural range and successfully establish rapid growing populations that compete with native species.

  • AIS pose a serious threat to the biodiversity of Canada’s waters, economy and society. After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to global biodiversity.

  • The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of fish and their habitat, including combating aquatic invasive species such as Zebra and Quagga Mussels, which have significant ecological impacts to freshwater ecosystems in Canada.

Associated links

Contacts

Jérémy Collard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
jeremy.collard@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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