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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Now time for some joint sessions with the @bes-egg.bsky.social SIG to share knowledge and learning 🧬🐳🐸🦠🦋

Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

And that’s a wrap on #UKDNAWG26 with the sad news that @andynisbet.bsky.social is stepping down as chair of the steering committee. Huge thanks to Andy for all of his efforts, guidance and support over the years that have got the working group to where it is today!

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Ben Price @nhm-london.bsky.social takes us through high-throughput museomics and the cost reductions that can be made for generating reference sequences, and Mind the Gap, a tool for perform reference database gap analysis against species inventories #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Tom Hughes presents LIMPET - a new pipeline for detecting erroneous sequences in reference databases for #metabarcoding. Some databases contain more errors than others, but even highly curated databases can contain errors that will impact taxonomic assignment and ecological inference #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Zoe Withey @forestresearchuk.bsky.social on integration of Earth Observation + molecular data for ecosystem monitoring. Most work in 🇪🇺 or 🇺🇸 using #metabarcoding + satellite data with predictive modelling for biodiversity or genetics. Lots of opportunity once gaps + needs addressed #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Nice talk by @rdowell.bsky.social @marianilab.bsky.social on reconstructing food webs using #metabarcoding of #eDNA and gut contents combined with stable isotope analysis. Sampling in 🇮🇹🇬🇧🇮🇸 across different spatiotemporal scales to ground truth approach and compare/contrast food webs #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Great talk by @clarecowgill.bsky.social on using #eDNA and #acoustic data to understand ecosystem recovery. Functional analysis and metaweb networks offer deeper insights than richness alone into ecosystem-level change. Trends not always clear cut with single method #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Cool talk by @jamesmacarthur.bsky.social on #beaver #eDNA transport. Sample in winter to understand if beavers are present in wider landscape due to long transport distance. Sample in summer to understand localised distribution in a catchment due to shorter transport distance #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Nice talk by Marco Benucci on using honeybees as natural samplers for environmental monitoring. Distribution of plant pathogen TiNV1 more widespread in Scotland and England than previously thought using samples from honeybees #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Fab talk by Nathan Griffiths on invertebrate #eDNA #metabarcoding for statutory #lake assessment in Scotland. Initial results are promising for high quality sites, but low quality sites may be overestimated by #eDNA. Also need to consider reference database coverage and sampling effort #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Nice talk by Ruaidhri Forrester on using #eDNA #metabarcoding to locate #coregonid spawning grounds. High read counts correspond to locations of known spawning grounds in spawning season. Relationship spatially explicit and not seen outside spawning season, but not consistent across lakes #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Vera Fonseca @cefasgovuk.bsky.social showing that #eDNA and #eRNA #metabarcoding detect different biodiversity across habitats and sample types in coastal systems #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Tom Gibson @cefasgovuk.bsky.social showed some nice #eDNA #metabarcoding data depicting ecological signals across sites in North Sea. Several variables influence community composition and associated with indicator taxa. Important to consider sequence read depth for studying composition #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Great talk by Erika Neave on DNA divers. - low-cost, #citsci passive #eDNA sampling using #metaprobe attached to divers. #eDNA boosted species records for 2 rocky reefs + revealed ecological signals. Anyone in Vancouver 🇨🇦 looking for a fab #postdoc or research tech, Erika is available! #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

@jlittlefair.bsky.social presents initial results of MSc project on vertical distribution of airborne #eDNA. Strong potential to better understand biodiversity across tree of life but improvements to sensor and further investigations needed #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

David Bass @cefasgovuk.bsky.social discusses potential of #eDNA in One Health Framework to better engage people with #nature by enhancing existing metrics and creating new metrics, but needs science-policy interface #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

@debbiele.bsky.social and Max John from @naturalengland.bsky.social highlight the importance of metadata for mobilising DNA-derived species occurrence data and work undertaken with @nbntrust.bsky.social over last year to facilitate upload in line with FAIR principles #UKDNAWG26

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

@bettinathal.bsky.social kicking off #UKDNAWG2026 by introducing eDNAeurope - the European node for all things #eDNA

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

We are go on our annual meeting!! Delighted that @bettinathal.bsky.social is hear to kick off the conference with a keynote!

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Bettina Thalinger @bettinathal.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

🦉 New publication! 🦆 BirT: A Novel Primer Pair for Avian Environmental DNA Metabarcoding onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... Want to amplify birds from #eDNA samples? This new primer pair is the way to go! @dirch3.bsky.social, Rachel Empey, Megan Cowperthwaite, Katerina Coveny #metabarcoding

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UK Environmental Observation Framework @ukeof.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Our latest output is a practical guide to anyone considering running a citizen science project involving environmental DNA monitoring. Written by @laurens-colours.bsky.social and @lynseyrharper.bsky.social -- tinyurl.com/2cn9zdbx #DNA #CitizenScience #monitoring @ukdnawg.bsky.social

The citizen science DNA monitoring guide's cover, shown against a backdrop of a grey, cloudy sky.

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Took a while but finally published in @aer-ese-bes.bsky.social! Our study indicates great crested newt #eDNA survey window could be extended beyond June and filtration outperforms ethanol precipitation, but further evidence needed to support changes to regulated protocol doi.org/10.1002/2688...

doi.org

Extending sampling approaches for great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) eDNA monitoring

Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring has been used for great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) survey in the UK since the publication of a Defra-funded trial in 2014 and approval of a regulated protoc....

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Dr Joanne Littlefair @jlittlefair.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

A great FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Resuseable) hosted by Miwa Takahashi of CSIRO, @lynseyrharper.bsky.social @nidunn.bsky.social last Friday. Recording great metadata for #eDNA studies, #futureproof

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Don't forget to sign up for making #eDNA data FAIR workshop, led by Miwa Takahashi and @nidunn.bsky.social at UCL, London, on 25th July. There's limited support with practical exercises for online attendees due to workshop format, so in-person attendance is encouraged if you want hands-on training!

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Allan McDevitt @shrewgod.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Citizen scientists are better at this #eDNA craic than we are 😆 But that's not the main point! A passion project of @hollybroadhurst.bsky.social, where she delves into their motivations and experiences of engaging in eDNA surveys theoryandpractice.citizenscienceassociation.org/articles/10....

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Interested in making #eDNA data FAIR? A workshop on 25th July at UCL will cover: - FAIR data principles, data standards, and best #eDNA data practices - Using FAIRe tools and guidelines to format data (fair-edna.github.io) - Q&A / discussion Register by 4th July at www.surveymonkey.com/r/MN8ZS3Y!

surveymonkey.com

FAIR eDNA data workshop in London

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Allan McDevitt @shrewgod.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

New paper out from our crew on using #eDNA to detect the pathogenic chytrid fungus (Bsal) and characterise the surrounding amphibian community from pond samples in the Netherlands. Small number of samples but highlights the potential of eDNA for routine monitoring of both. bioone.org/journals/jou...

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Erin Hahn (she/her) @erinhahn.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

📢 New paper alert! Proud to co-author this effort to make #eDNA data more FAIR — Findable, Accessible, Interoperable & Reusable 🧬🌍 We introduce a metadata checklist & formatting guide to boost reuse & impact across #eDNA science. 🔗 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... #FAIRdata

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

A Metadata Checklist and Data Formatting Guidelines to Make eDNA FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable)

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a transformative tool for biodiversity monitoring and species detection, yet inconsistent metadata practices hinder data interoperability and reuse. To address....

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Lynsey Harper @lynseyrharper.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Let’s standardise upload + archival of #eDNA data to relevant repositories with the new FAIR #eDNA (FAIRe) guidelines 🧚🧬🌍Fantastic work by Miwa Takahashi and coauthors! 📄 Read the paper: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/... 🔧 Get updates and new tools via the FAIRe website: fair-edna.github.io

fair-edna.github.io

FAIR eDNA

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Our second last session is #eDNA for #terrestrial ecosystem monitoring, restoration and management. First, Bridget Emmett gives an overview of ecosystem monitoring by @ukceh.bsky.social and partners. Soils became focus in 1970s with #eDNA incorporated in recent years #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Doug Yu presents results of large-scale #eDNA survey across 30,000 km2 protected area complex in China. OccPlus model used which accounts for false positives and false negatives in the field and the lab using read frequency #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Buffy Smith @theednaconsultancy.bsky.social compared #iDNA and airborne #eDNA for #biodiversity in fragmented forest landscape. #iDNA more spatially sensitive. More domestic species detected with #iDNA than #eDNA tended to capture larger native mammals - differential shedding rates? #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

@clarecowgill.bsky.social compared #eDNA, #ecoacoustics + camera trapping for monitoring #terrestrial rewilding. Aquatic, soil + surface (tree rolling) #eDNA used. Most species with #ecoacoustics + tree rolling. More mammals + amphibians with #eDNA. More birds with #ecoacoustics #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Speed talks! First Nadia Barsoum @forestresearchuk.bsky.social talks about use of #eDNA for forest #mammals. Camera traps compared to aquatic, soil, airborne and surface #eDNA. More species detected with #eDNA, particularly surface #eDNA #UKDNAWG25 1/6

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Last session of #UKDNAWG25 is standards, best practice, current knowledge gaps and future opportunities. @leeselab.bsky.social discusses how we go from wild west of #eDNA to standards. Challenges are limited comparability of methods and unequal access to technical infrastructure and funding.

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

@lyndallp.bsky.social gives insights and challenges from BIOSCAN. Scaling up, taxonomic bias + data quality have been big challenges. Sampling has ramped up over years. Most samples dominated by Diptera, but many taxa only seen once. Good coverage of UK habitats. Data platform now live #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Now @nidunn.bsky.social on importance of metadata for publishing and mobilising #metabarcoding data. Metadata key to understanding how species records were generated and making confidence judgement. FAIR #eDNA project has established workflow which @naturalengland.bsky.social have adopted #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Speed talks! Caroline Howard @sangerinstitute.bsky.social gives update on Tree of Life project. Number of sequences are increasing every day, with slight bias towards Lepidoptera but also spanning all taxonomic groups. Fabulous genomic resource for the wider community to use #UKDNAWG25 1/4

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Speed talks! @kirstenjharper.bsky.social uncovers #marine #biodiversity around Pitcairn Islands. Fish communities differ by site + depth. Species detections matched life histories + habitat preferences. More data for other taxa + comparisons with other methods still to come! #UKDNAWG25 1/4

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Dina-Leigh Simons @liverpooluni.bsky.social used #eDNA to survey rocky reef #biodiversity. Many spatial + environmental influences on intertidal #eDNA, but local abiotic stress gradients and known biogeographical patterns captured. Scale-appropriate sampling needed #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Karen Tait @plymouthmarine.bsky.social presents morphological and #molecular time-series to assess #zooplankton changes over last decade. #eDNA gives diff community insights. More info overall with both methods. Insights into meroplankton winners and losers as well as seasonal changes #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

#UKDNAWG25 Day 2 begins with #marine monitoring. Kate Wade @jncc.bsky.social explains how 🧬 uptake been slow - challenges combining with traditional methods, and lack of funding, knowledge and confidence. New UK Marine DNA Group aims to advance, collaborate + share learning, starting with workshop

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Ending the day with panel discussion on opportunities for cross discipline and cross sector collaboration, with panellists representing government, academia and industry. If you’re not here this year, do comment with any questions you would like asked! #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Next speed talk session! Salla Vartia introduces PINK Track. Project aims to develop standardised #eDNA protocols for surveillance of pink salmon. 8 filter types compared across 6 countries - all performed reasonably well #UKDNAWG25 1/4

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Tom Wilding of SAMS giving overview of #eDNA based Infaunal Quality Index (IQI). Traditional IQI expensive, time-consuming, and incompatible with active management. #eDNA can give repeatable data and predict IQI if SOP followed. Ring testing also showed diff labs could achieve same result #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Joe Taylor @ukceh.bsky.social on integrating DNA into #lake monitoring. Decades of biological, chemical and physical data for Cumbrian lakes. #eDNA #metabarcoding introduced in 2021. Clear seasonal shifts in bacterial community composition and separation by trophic status #UKDNAWG25

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UKEOF UKDNA Working Group @ukdnawg.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Jono Warren of Environment Agency continues work on #river #biofilms, presenting results of #microbial #metabarcoding. Nitrate = problem for ecological health of rivers. Indicators needed for management. Sensitive and tolerant taxa identified. Placement of ‘good’ ecological threshold key #UKDNAWG25

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