Funding secured for eDNA lab in Scotland

A project is under way in Argyll to create Scotland’s first commercial laboratory for the detailed analysis of marine environmental DNA (eDNA).

Underwater ecological survey company Ocean Ecology is developing the state-of-the-art lab in its existing facilities at the European Marine Science Park (EMSP) near Oban, on Scotland’s west coast.

The company has secured a £21,642 investment from Highlands and islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the total project costs of £108,000.

This will be used to acquire the equipment for the extraction and purification of eDNA from sediment and water samples taken from the marine environment.

The technology can be used to study biodiversity and monitor marine ecosystem changes, including water quality and the early detection of invasive species. By analysing fragments of eDNA in the ocean, much can be learned about the presence of animal and plant species without having to identify and count individual organisms.

There is growing interest in eDNA analysis among Ocean Ecology’s client base, and this is expected to lead to substantial industry demand in the short term.

The greater functionality of Ocean Ecology’s eDNA lab will help meet this demand and give the company a market lead. It will also support the creation of four new skilled jobs.

Morag Goodfellow, HIE’s area manager for Argyll and the Islands, said: “The marine environment around Scotland offers tremendous potential for sustainable commercial activity, and many companies are involved in various initiatives that tap into this. Ocean Ecology is a great example. The company is part of a growing cluster of marine related innovation at the EMSP. this latest project to create an eDNA lab will trigger further growth of the company while enhancing the wider expertise that’s available in Scotland. I’m delighted we are able to support the project and look forward to continuing to work with Ocean Ecology as they continue their growth.”

Dr Michael Redford, laboratory manager with Ocean Ecology, said: “The addition of eDNA services will allow us to continue to provide services to our clients during the full life cycle of an aquaculture site, from pre-development site characterisation and licensing to compliance monitoring and diagnostics. By keeping up with regulatory change we can remain reactive to our clients’ needs. Outwith the aquaculture sector, our new facility will also allow us to serve several other industries, including an expanding offshore renewable sector.”