Developing Habitat Scale DNA Monitoring in Support of Post 2020 Biodiversity Reporting Requirements

Tender description

1. This project is being commissioned by the Scottish DNA Hub on behalf of the Coordinated Agenda for Marine, Environment and Rural Affairs Science (CAMERAS), which represents a range of organisations associated with delivery of the Scottish Government’s environmental objectives. The Scottish DNA Hub includes a range of organisations with an interest in DNA based environmental monitoring solutions in Scotland. 14. The following outputs will be delivered from the project: Phase 1 - A report describing the opportunities for the application of DNA/e-DNA monitoring methods in CBD and ecosystem resilience assessments. This will include a description of the benefits of DNA based methods over conventional approaches. - From the road map define a sampling and analysis programme that can be applied to a limited number of habitats in Scotland. Phase 2 - The sampling and analysis programme outlined in Phase 1. - Present the results of the monitoring programme in a report and provide the sequence data. If it has been possible to align the sampling in Phase 2 with parallel conventional biodiversity sampling programmes, then the report should consider differences in the results from them. - Make recommendations to address any challenges that arise from developing a DNA based monitoring programme in this project. - Cascade the deliverables at a seminar and host a training event to support the rollout of the methods. 15. Project deliverables reporting format should be agreed at the inception meeting.