Developing predictive models and indicators of freshwater biodiversity from DNA metabarcoding data to support large-scale biomonitoring

Funding period: 2024-2029
Lead: Wendy Monk
Total GRDI funding: $193,762

This project will employ historical DNA sequence archives (Alberta wetlands, Maritime rivers including priority watersheds e.g., Wolastoq, NB) to develop predictive models for freshwater biomonitoring including working with the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) to develop biodiversity indicators to support analysis and prediction of future status and trends, and to develop new indicators of key ecosystem status, including functions and services. The study will focus on macroinvertebrates, adding algae (diatoms) and vertebrate targets to improve indicator relevance, including detection of key species (e.g., invasives, at risk species (SAR) and those of cultural significance).