Environmental DNA Online Resource CenterOVERVIEW AND ENGAGEMENT

11 FEBRUARY 2015

Our team

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Katherine Strickler

Benjamin ShorsCaren Goldberg Alexander Fremier

Ryan Risenmay

Today’s goals1. Provide overview of web resource center

2. Outline website’s draft framework

3. Identify opportunities for continued participation

4. Ask for feedback on framework and content

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Background

Background

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● Appropriate use of eDNA technology is limited by lack of information and tools

● Managers need resources to decide if eDNA is best monitoring tool and how to use it efficiently

eDNA Researchers Practitioners DoD

DoD

Agencies

Regulatory

Background

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eDNA web portal:

central hub for collaboration and information exchange

eDNA Researchers Practitioners DoD

ObjectiveCreate a web-based eDNA information portal targeted at DoD and other practitioners

1. Compile existing resources into a single knowledge base

2. Create new content to communicate eDNA techniques, applications, and training tools

3. Facilitate exchange of resources, technical advice, lessons learned, and other information to help promote use of eDNA methods among DoD and other end users.

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Content

1. Knowledge base

2. Guidance materials

-- Existing and newly developed content

-- Contributed content

-- DoD-specific content

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Knowledge Base: What is eDNA?• Written and video overviews of eDNA technology and its application

• Technical details of genetic, sampling, and analytical concepts and techniques

• Recorded eDNA webinars and presentations

• References to published eDNA materials

• Updated list of FAQ to address common questions about eDNA methods

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Guidance: How to use eDNA • General guidelines for deciding if, when, and how to use eDNA in monitoring programs

• Field protocols for collecting eDNA water samples

• Taxon-specific sampling protocols

• Materials lists

• Training videos demonstrating field sampling techniques and explaining laboratory procedures

• Discussion forum(s)

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Target AudiencesDoD natural resource managers◦ Need to monitor listed species for Section 7 consultations,

INRMPs/endangered species management plans

◦ Need early detection of invasive species

Agency partners◦ State and non-DoD Federal natural resource managers

◦ Collaborate with DoD on monitoring invasive and at-risk species

Regulatory agencies◦ FWS, NOAA

◦ Need confidence in accuracy and sensitivity of eDNA methods

Environmental DNA researchers/experts

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Web portal◦ Responsive format

◦ Dynamic interaction

◦ Focus sections

◦ User experience optimized

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Image: todaymade.com

Web portalDynamic user interaction – visual, iconic, parallax effect

Wordpress template

13http://themetrust.com/demos/hero/

Web portalUser and stakeholder feedback

Wireframes

14Images: flickr.com/photos/meedan

Web portalHosting setup planned for 24 months◦ Developed as a stand-alone portal, shared and sustained in

part by stakeholders

◦ Plan for site hosting/transition provided in Implementation Guide

Measures of success◦ Surveys of practitioners before and after launch to assess

barriers to using eDNA methods

◦ Usage metrics (views, downloads, forum activity)

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16https://labs.wsu.edu/edna/

Timeline

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1/16 -3/16

4/16 -6/16

7/16 -9/16

10/16 -12/16

1/17 -3/17

Define eDNA web portal framework

Design eDNA web portal

Collect existing eDNA content

Build new eDNA content

Launch content on WSU platform

Code web portal and add expanded content

Test functionality and release beta version

Correct issues, revisit design, transfer to live server

Launch eDNA web portal 3/2017

Engagement opportunities• Content contribution

• Content review

• Ongoing: Discussion forum moderation/response, etc.

• Beta testing

• Survey: Barriers to adoption of eDNA technologyhttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LSJSJ2R

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Survey:Web portal contentThree of the most important components of an eDNA web portal are:

Technical details of eDNA technology

Training materials (audio/video demonstrations, protocols, explanatory text)

Guidance for integrating eDNA methods in monitoring

Reference lists of eDNA research papers and projects

User forum

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Survey:Web portal contentThe top two additional types of content I’d likely use would be:

Newsfeed (eDNA in the popular press)

Podcasts (case studies, interviews with eDNA researchers)

Q&A with experts

Descriptions of laboratories providing eDNA sample analysis

Lessons learned (examples of approaches that needed improvement)

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Questions and suggestions

• Framework/structure

• Implementation

• Accessibility

• Content

• Other?

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Thank youK.STRICKLER@WSU.EDU

RYAN.RISENMAY@WSU.EDU

HT TPS://LABS.WSU.EDU/EDNA/