A bipartisan Senate bill would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to expand the use of environmental DNA in fish-stock surveys, building on a technique pioneered by Cornell researchers.
Environmental DNA, or eDNA, allows scientists to identify species from genetic material left in water. Supporters say it can supplement traditional surveys using trawls, sonar, longlines and catch records.
The Fisheries Science Modernization Act is sponsored by U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, with eight bipartisan co-sponsors. The proposal calls for validation of the technology and broader use in federal fisheries work.
NOAA is already testing eDNA in a Pacific hake survey. Cornell professor David Lodge helped pioneer the method, and Cornell Atkinson supported research and policy engagement related to the bill.
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