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The NWFSC Scientific Publications Database serves as an archival repository of NWFSC-published products including scientific findings, journal articles, technical memorandums, reports, or other information authored or co-authored by NWFSC or funded partners. As a repository, the SPD retains documents in their original published format to ensure public access to scientific information.

NOAA Fisheries Northwest Science Center Publication Details

CitationBrasseale, E., Adams, N., Allan, E. A., Jacobson, E. K., Kelly, R. P., Liu, O. R., et al. (2025). Marine eDNA production and loss mechanisms. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 130, e2024JC021643. (https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JC021643)
TitleMarine eDNA production and loss mechanisms
Publication Year2025
Volume130
Keywordsedna, transport, dna, oceanographic currents
AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a technique for detecting organisms based on genetic material in environments such as air, water, or soil. Observed eDNA concentrations vary in space and time due to biological and environmental processes. Here we investigate variability in eDNA production and loss by sampling water adjacent to a managed population of non-native cetaceans on a near-hourly timescale for 48 hours. We used biological and physical loss rates using a decay experiment and a physical transport-and diffusion tracer model. We then evaluated eDNA concentrations along a transect away from the animal enclosure in light of model parameter estimates. We conclude that eDNA production is best conceptualized using a time-varying mixed-state model and biological losses are small relative to physical losses in the marine environment. Because physical loss is unsteady and nonlinear, tracer models are especially helpful tools to estimate it accurately.
Official CitationBrasseale, E., Adams, N., Allan, E. A., Jacobson, E. K., Kelly, R. P., Liu, O. R., et al. (2025). Marine eDNA production and loss mechanisms. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 130, e2024JC021643.
Links (https://doi.org/10.1029/2024JC021643)