The CRVWA was able to participate in a pilot project that tests environmental DNA. Environmental DNA is DNA taken from surrounding areas such as lakes and other waterbodies. A few watersheds in Saskatchewan are part of this pilot  project.

Water was collected in the CRVWA in high traffic boating areas. The CRVWA collected water from Tobin Lake Resort, Nipawin Regional Park Boat Marina, Greenwater Provincial Park and Wakaw Lake. Water samples were taken from the each of the waterbodies at 3 separate site locations.

The water that was collected was then put into a larger bag. From here the water was passed through a filter multiple times. Each time the water passed through it was harder and harder to get the water through the filter. Once we were unable to push the water though the filter was sealed, and it was sent off to the lab for further analysis.

The CRVWA collected water twice throughout the summer so two filters from each location were sent to get looked at. We hope to have the results sometime this winter and check back for future updates on the eDNA pilot project.

This project has been funded by Fish and wildlife development fund.

Water Collection at Wakaw Lake

Collecting water from 3 water samples

Water Collection filters and bags.

Water that has been collected and passed through the filter.