Research
Our findings from the first eDNA species survey on Porcher Island
Initial findings from Canada’s first eDNA survey on Porcher Island are in. While a species goes extinct every ten minutes globally, our analysis detected a rich diversity of organisms hidden in this ancient wilderness.Discover how eDNA works and explore our pilot project with ETH Zurich and the Audi Environmental Foundation.
eDNA on Porcher Island
A total of 70 invertebrate and 50 vertebrate species were identified in the saltwater samples. These included sponges, worms, water fleas, and various fish, birds, minks, and sea otters. This high species richness points to a healthy, fully functioning ecosystem, while the high level of evolutionary diversity suggests an increasingly resilient ecological community.
Across all samples analyzed so far, 225 total species have been identified—an average of 40 species per sample. Because few of these organisms are visible to the naked eye, they are frequently overlooked in standard biodiversity assessments. They simply fly under the radar due to their size, yet they contribute to biodiversity just as significantly as larger, better-known species.
However, eDNA analysis does have its limitations. The collected sample data is typically analyzed using PCR technology, which compares detected DNA against known sequence databases. If a species present in the sample has not yet been logged in these databases, it cannot immediately be identified. To complement the eDNA surveys, we also utilized audio sensors, underwater cameras, field observations, and on-the-ground monitoring. These additional methods successfully detected further bird species, orcas, and insects.
All monitoring results are currently being collated and organized, with full publication scheduled by Wilderness International.
Conclusion
This initial species survey on Porcher Island provides a solid foundation for future research. With a clear baseline now established, time will reveal how conditions and biodiversity evolve.
Because reliable comparative data from other ecosystems is currently limited, future findings from additional locations will offer fascinating insights. In the coming years, we will be able to compare data from sparsely populated wilderness areas with densely populated regions, or measure how sustainable farming methods, such as agroforestry, impact local biodiversity. The possibilities are nearly endless as more data becomes available.
We remain committed to transparency and raising awareness as analysis of the surface samples continues. These initial findings clearly demonstrate the value of integrating innovative methods like eDNA sampling into our ongoing biodiversity monitoring program.
We are equally excited to see the results from our survey in Peru, where data analysis is already underway. Driven by these early successes, we look forward to sharing what the Peruvian Amazon reveals next.
Text: Sarah Sassenhagen