iTrackDNA

iTrackDNA

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

A collaboration between Genome Canada, academia, NGOs, First Nations, government, and industry, the iTrackDNA program is a multi-year program with countless opportunities for expansion and multi-sector partnership participation.

The iTrackDNA project is partnered with First Nations communities and contributes space for Indigenous Ecological Knowledge to guide study design from inception. 

We will assist interested organizations with their sampling, offering knowledge in site selection and monitoring where appropriate. The organizations then commit to maintaining the project in later years with support from Living Lakes Canada as needed. The iTrackDNA team is committed to creating decision support software for modelling regional biodiversity changes with a foundation and lens of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge.

Participants learn and build skills for biodiversity monitoring, gathering baseline data to track and monitor indicators of climate change impacts using more accurate and cost-effective technology.

The iTrackDNA project will build capacity through innovative, accessible, socially responsible genomics-based analytical eDNA tools for effective decision-making by:

1. Supporting the creation of a targeted eDNA detection national standard.
2. Building eDNA kits to detect 100 priority invertebrates, fish, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals in Canadian coastal and inland ecosystems.
3. Applying 10 eRNA kits for determining bioremediation (the use of microorganisms to consume and break down environmental pollutants) effectiveness.
4. Generating decision support software for modelling regional biodiversity changes integrating Indigenous Ecological Knowledge.
5. Developing an eDNA training, certification, and inter-lab validation framework for consultants, researchers, regulators, and managers.
6. Producing a guidance document on eDNA based methods integration into management, policy & regulations.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

iTrackDNA is rooted in a Collaborative Ecosystem for which scientists, managers, and students are part of. This diverse team has internationally recognized experts and early career researchers in genomics, molecular biology, taxonomy, bioinformatics, geospatial information systems, economics, law, policy, and social sciences with established First Nations, government, and industry relationships. 

By 2025 the aim of the program is to have standardized eDNA testing that will be applied in coastal and inland ecological surveys and biosurveillance for mining, forestry, energy, and infrastructure projects; economically important, at-risk and invasive species management; and climate change impact tracking in all Canadian provinces and territories.

The iTrackDNA project is partnered with First Nations communities that have particular urgency in obtaining better resource management and decision-making tools. These initial partnerships will enable Traditional Ecological Knowledge to guide study design from inception. 

Please visit iTrackDNA for more information.

A list of priority taxa assays that have been created as of May 30, 2022.  This list will be updated quarterly to reflect assay completion. 

Upon completion of the pilot project Living Lakes Canada trains and certifies interested organizations using the newly adapted and created national standards for eDNA collection and analysis. We have been building capacity and working within a community-based water monitoring (CBWM) framework to facilitate a greater understanding of watershed health utilizing scientific methods (CABIN) and (STREAM) tools. The iTrackDNA project is the next step in building upon the foundations of our successful programs.

CONTACT

We are encouraging anyone interested in the application of eDNA in understanding the health of their water systems and the changing landscape to contact us to learn more about the iTrackDNA project. There are multiple levels of possible participation.

If you are interested in collaborating to support the understanding of Canada’s biodiversity in a changing climate please email us at biomonitoring@livinglakescanada.ca.