Environmental DNA (EDNA) work has the potential to considerably improve local economies, recreational opportunities, and conservation outcomes

Award Details:

Auburn University received a $1.5M cooperative agreement from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 4 under the Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species program (CFDA 15.608), effective September 1, 2025, through May 19, 2030. This award builds on established collaborative infrastructure between USFWS and Auburn University to advance environmental DNA (eDNA) applied research and surveillance capabilities.

Products and Services:

Under this cooperative agreement, Auburn University will deliver technological improvements to eDNA methodologies, develop and publicly disseminate reference genomic datasets for eDNA applications, and conduct eDNA-based surveillance operations targeting rare and invasive species across the Southeast. All deliverables will be executed in close collaboration with USFWS personnel and will adhere to best practices ensuring data reliability, reproducibility, and actionability. The project aims to establish Auburn University as a national hub for eDNA research in Alabama, positioning the institution and broader Southeastern region as leaders in the eDNA field while supporting local economies, recreational opportunities, and conservation outcomes through potential job creation and public-private partnerships.

Recent cooperative projects between U.S. Fish and wildlife service (USFWS) and auburn university (AU) have placed both entities at the forefront of environmental DNA work. This project aims to build on past investments in infrastructure for environmental DNA applied research. EDNA work funded by this cooperative agreement will include making technological improvements to EDNA methodologies, generating reference genomic datasets for EDNA work via public dissemination, and applied EDNA-basedsurveillance for rare and invasive species. All work will be done in close collaboration with USFWS personnel. Therefore, the cooperative agreement will enhance a long-term partnership between U.S. Fish and wildlife and auburn university. In doing so, this project with establish a national hub for environmental DNA in alabama. All work done as part of this cooperative agreement will follow best practices to ensure data are reliable, reproducible, and actionable. The cooperative agreement will ensure that alabama, and the wider southeastern united states, will be a leader in the EDNA fields. We also anticipate that this cooperative agreement will result in considerable economicimpact by supporting jobs, recreation, and future public-private partnerships.