A framework for assessing confidence in metabarcoding assays and results

DNA-based methods have the potential to significantly change how we monitor and assess ecosystems. These methods are now being used more widely within Natural England, particularly the detection of ecological communities using environmental DNA (eDNA). This is often conducted by employing metabarcoding assays which target specific species assemblages (e.g. fish, mammals) or broader taxonomic groups (e.g. vertebrates, invertebrates, bacteria). It is difficult for Natural England staff to understand, interpret, and determine confidence in the results of different metabarcoding assays or assess the risk of false positive or false negative results. This project aims to address some of these…