Diatoms of North AmericaDescription: DNA-based identification of diatoms has been proposed and, in some places, implemented as a cost-, time-, and expertise-effective alternative to traditional morphological methods for environmental assessment. We will describe the different techniques available (mainly a method called metabarcoding), outline recommendations for collecting DNA samples, review research applying DNA-based identifications to assessments, and discuss implementation of these methods.
Target Audience: This presentation will be directed at managers who are looking for information on the application of molecular sequencing of environmental DNA (eDNA) and bulk DNA in environmental assessments. The talk will cover the current state of the field and the process to obtain organismal information from sequences.
