New Genomics Investments Expand eDNA Monitoring in BC's Remote and Indigenous Communities
VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ - On World Environment Day, Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) is proud to announce significant new investments that will expand Canada's capacity for environmental DNA or RNA (collectively called 'eDNA') monitoring. These investments highlight British Columbia's leadership in leveraging genomics to address pressing environmental and health challenges, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities.
Nature's Fingerprints: eDNA is a New Tool that Reveals What's Living Around Us
eDNA is a powerful tool that uses trace genetic material left behind in water, air and soil to detect pathogens, assess ecosystem health and support environmental decision-making. eDNA allows scientists and communities to detect and track species without needing to see them directly, offering a more efficient way to study ecosystems. eDNA can also track health and ecological signals without relying on invasive testing.
This technology was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor virus levels in wastewater and is now being expanded to keep people safe, protect biodiversity and help with climate resilience. The projects announced today focus on ensuring these tools are not just scientifically robust, but also community-driven and accessible — especially for regions with limited existing monitoring infrastructure.
"These investments reflect how genomics is helping us learn directly from the environments we live in — and how that knowledge can be shared in ways that empower communities," said Federica Di Palma, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Research and Innovation at Genome BC. "By supporting eDNA research rooted in partnership with Indigenous and remote communities, BC researchers are helping lead the way toward more inclusive, real-time approaches to health and environmental monitoring."
Three Projects Expanding eDNA Use and Data Sharing
The ChùNet and iMicroSeq projects are BC-based projects awarded through Genome Canada's eDNA Surveillance program, which includes a $11.3 million investment in 12 projects across the country aimed at building the scientific, technical and community capacity needed to scale eDNA surveillance. The eDNA Explorer Canada project is a separate initiative funded by Genome BC, though all three projects will coordinate their efforts.
ChùNet: Enabling a knowledge sharing network — learning from water and the life it carries
Led by: Erin Gill (Simon Fraser University) and Math'ieya Alatini (One Yukon Coalition)
This project will establish a community-focused network to share data and knowledge about water-based eDNA monitoring in northern, rural, remote and Indigenous communities in BC and the Yukon. Co-led by academic and community partners, ChùNet will create tailored training resources and deploy a demonstration monitoring project while respecting OCAP® principles. The aim is to build a wholistic foundation for integrating environmental and public health surveillance that builds local priorities into decision making.
iMicroSeq: Integrated, inclusive resources supporting environmental sequence data
Led by: Fiona Brinkman and Emma Griffiths (Simon Fraser University)
This project will develop a national data portal and communications platform that brings together researchers, Indigenous communities, public health officials and other in industry to support more coordinated, integrated microbial eDNA monitoring for wastewater and other water data. iMicroSeq will enhance data sharing, respect Indigenous data sovereignty (CARE and OCAP® Principles), and link human, agricultural and environmental health through a One Health lens. The platform will empower both community and industry innovation in economic, water-based pathogen detection and climate resilience.
eDNA Explorer Canada: Upscaling eDNA Explorer to Enable Effective Biodiversity Monitoring in Canada
Led by: Caren Helbing (University of Victoria) and Rachel Meyer (University of Santa Cruz & Chief Scientific Officer at eDNA Explorer)
This project leverages the eDNA Explorer platform developed in California to create eDNA Explorer Canada. This powerful, easy-to-use portal will allow anyone to understand, evaluate and share eDNA data gathered in Canadian ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity monitoring, conservation and restoration. eDNA Explorer Canada is tailored to meet Canadian environmental standards and sovereignty needs, ensuring data is reliable and legally compliant. It aims to turn raw data into actionable insights that drive environmental protection efforts, building on existing relationships with Indigenous and government agencies established through the iTrackDNA project, which in 2021 and 2023 established Canada's national eDNA standards (learn more about those standards here).
About Genome British Columbia:
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has advanced genomics research and innovation for 25 years, growing a world-class life sciences sector in BC and delivering sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has attracted over $1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding more than 550 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives enhance healthcare and address environmental and natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. www.genomebc.ca
SOURCE Genome British Columbia
A.G. Klei, Senior Communications Manager, Genome BC, [email protected], 604.218.0498
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