Mineral Exploration

Summer 2018

Mineral Exploration is the official publication of the Association of Mineral Exploration British Columbia.

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Sampling at work: (opposite) Hemmera used eDNA methods to identify new tiger salamander breeding occurrences in the Okanagan; (this page) collection on the Yukon River – eDNA was used successfully to identify overwintering habitats for Arctic grayling. S umm e r 20 1 8 33 scientifically defensible and cost-e‚ective method of determining whether Chinook salmon or Arctic grayling use aquatic habitats near the proposed mine site. Jared Hobbs, a senior biologist at Hemmera, is leading the development and implementation of Hemmera's eDNA studies. Working with other scientists at Hemmera and elsewhere, Hobbs has completed more than 40 eDNA projects across British Columbia and Yukon, and has authored a B.C. provincial standard for the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy to provide guidance on improving rigour for eDNA practitioners. This standard has been informed by Hemmera's project successes and incorporates methods, techniques and guidance from previous projects and collaborations with two genetics laboratories. "We conduct eDNA studies di‚erently at Hemmera," explains Hobbs. "Our objective with eDNA technology, from the outset, has been to work diligently with our university and laboratory partners to develop the most rigorous methodological approach possible to provide defensible results that project proponents, regulators, First Nations and other interested parties can rely on. The robust field and lab methods we have developed with our university partners provide clear direction and protocols to produce results that are reliable and accurate." In addition to training other practitioners in the use of eDNA, Hobbs is also involved in many eDNA projects for clients across Northern and Western Canada. The eDNA work that he and other Hemmera scientists have completed on northern mining projects and other private- and public-sector projects represents some of the first applications of eDNA in B.C. and Yukon's formal environmental assessment processes. Results have been used to inform conservation and management of species at risk and have been applied in both regulatory and conservation frameworks, in addition to informing the design, management and ultimate reclamation of mining projects. Shannon Bard, PhD, R.P.Bio., is practice leader, science and innovation, for Hemmera. 17-255.5.2_MineralExploration_7.1875x4.9375-P1.indd 1 10/2/2017 1:27:24 PM

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