Implementing eDNA-based tools, regardless of the target, is ultimately a question of how reliably these tools can inform management. Within this context, implementation lies on how much rigour is given to developing, testing, and optimising eDNA-based monitoring, and how sovereign nations recognise and regulate eDNA-based methods. Such recognition requires a clear understanding on how eDNA results are affected by type I and II errors, and when eDNA testing falls short of producing accurate results. This presentation discusses how risk proliferates across eDNA-based workflows, how it can be minimised, and how it can be managed for action in an Australian biosecurity context.
Alejandro specialises in developing environmental DNA/RNA-based detection methods for biosecurity surveillance. For the past 10 years he has designed molecular tests to complement how end-users detect and respond against threats across the biosecurity continuum. He explores how eDNA-based techniques can be validated to accurately inform decision-makers on the probability of risk, and how molecular data can provide a triaging framework for everyday biosecurity applications.