HOW THE eDNA PARTNERSHIP STARTED

Hi Doug and Tom,
Arpita and I have been talking about the need for a state of the science paper on eDNA – to explain what eDNA is, advances and issues with the technology, and how it could be used to answer management questions. We would also like to identify labs throughout the country that are working on eDNA protocols to help managers find researchers that they could potentially collaborate with on future monitoring projects.
It seems like this might be a good collaboration with AFS? Possibly a fisheries article and/or something that could be hosted on the AFS website (e.g., a list of available eDNA markers and protocols so managers duplicate markers or protocols when one already exists)?  I know you were looking for new services to provide to AFS members and managers and thought this might be worth exploring?
We’re also going to follow up with USGS on the idea.
Thanks,
Katherine

Katherine L Smith, PhD
National Program Leader
Fish and Aquatic Ecology
US Forest Service

*********************************************

This would be an important contribution to Fisheries. It would be great if it could be structured as a mini-review with a 4,500 word limit, and about 40 key references. The list of people or labs working with eDNA who could serve as regional resources could appear as a sidebar. I would like you to write succinctly so that you could provide a broad range of non-geneticist readers with not only the how and why of eDNA, but also critical assumptions and data handling. There may actually be some forensic considerations that should be explained to people who might be collecting data. And most importantly, what can it not do? Readers will need to be informed about any limitations of the technique as well as its advantages. You also might include some case histories or applications to show potential uses. Our readers would enjoy learning about those.
In terms of deadlines, we would begin review as soon as you can provide us with a draft. The fastest route to print is to keep it within length because longer papers have to wait until we can fit them into an issue physically. This is also an article that might feature a snappy cover photo. I am not sure the best way to feature eDNA visually, but think about how that might work.
This is exactly the sort of hot topic that we like to feature, so we will look forward to reviewing your manuscript.
Can’t wait to see this one.
Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff Schaeffer
Research Fishery Biologist at U.S. Geological Survey and Fisheries Magazine Co-Chief Science Editor

*********************************************

Thank you, Jeff
A short, non-technical paper is exactly what we had in mind. I agree that we need to highlight what eDNA does not do or does not do well. We will have something to you shortly as well as an idea for a cover photo.
Take care,
Arpita

*********************************************

Hi Jeff,
Arpita, Chelsi and I have been working on the paper and outlining an associated web-based eDNA resources/contacts clearinghouse (to identify labs that are working on eDNA protocols & help managers find researchers that they could potentially collaborate with on monitoring projects).  The managers we’ve spoke with seem very interested in the clearinghouse piece – to help them avoid costly duplication of efforts in this rapidly evolving field.   We hope to partner with AFS to host this clearing house – and from earlier conversation with Tom and Doug, this sounds like the type of project that might be useful to AFS members?
Is there a good time to talk to you and your web folks about this possibility?  We plan to do most of the work in designing the clearinghouse and pulling together information, so it shouldn’t be a big time investment for AFS.
Thank you,
Katherine

*********************************************

The clearinghouse is a good idea. The question is what is the best way to inform members about the existence of eDNA labs. We could publish the list in Fisheries, or have a sidebar with a link to a webpage where the information is presented. I bring up the Fisheries venue because it goes with the upcoming eDNA feature, but it could be conveyed independently via other social media. Not my call, but for the eDNA article I would like a small sidebar with a link, and not a long list.
Thanks,
Jeff

*********************************************

We were planning on a small side bar with a link to the web-based clearinghouse (which would have a long list and more details).
To make sure the article can reference the clearinghouse, we should probably start planning the website and outreach sooner than later.  I think the outreach would include the eDNA article as well as a webinar (summarizing the paper and referencing the clearinghouse) and possibly some social media efforts?
Does AFS have a web who we could talk to about the possibility of hosting the clearinghouse?
Thanks,
Katherine

*********************************************

​Depending on how we time everything it could be promoted at the upcoming AFS conference in August as well as AFWA in September.
Arpita

*********************************************

So it’s too late to get it into the magazine for August, but we could get it on the website.  We might be able to get it into the September issue of Fisheries if the eDNA article is ready for copy edit by then.  Jeff?
Sarah

Sarah Fox
Content Director – AFS
Managing Editor – Fisheries Magazine

*********************************************

Hey Sarah, what do you think about a fisheries article with a side bar that describes and links to a web-based clearinghouse/list?
Might speed up the paper – and we can continue to update the list as a resource to managers…
I’ve also taken Nat off the email chain since I don’t think he needs all the details on this project (Chelsi is working with Nat this summer).
Thanks, Katherine

*********************************************

 

I’m for it, but want Jeff to weigh in.  And we can always add to the web!
Sarah