Atlantic herring
The Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is a vital fish species found in UK waters, playing a significantly ecological and economic role. As a key component of marine food webs, herring serve as prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, while their shoaling behaviour supports commercial fisheries. Herring populations are distributed widely across the North Sea, Irish Sea, and surrounding waters, and their spawning behaviour involves laying adhesive eggs on seabeds in specific locations, making them vulnerable to habitat degradation and overfishing.
eDNA testing (environmental DNA testing) offers a non-invasive method to detect herring populations. By analyzing water samples for genetic traces shed by the species, eDNA testing provides a highly sensitive and specific tool to confirm its presence without the need for traditional visual surveys.
Description
The Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is a vital fish species found in UK waters, playing a significantly ecological and economic role. As a key component of marine food webs, herring serve as prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, while their shoaling behaviour supports commercial fisheries. Herring populations are distributed widely across the North Sea, Irish Sea, and surrounding waters, and their spawning behaviour involves laying adhesive eggs on seabeds in specific locations, making them vulnerable to habitat degradation and overfishing.
eDNA testing (environmental DNA testing) offers a non-invasive method to detect herring populations. By analyzing water samples for genetic traces shed by the species, eDNA testing provides a highly sensitive and specific tool to confirm its presence without the need for traditional visual surveys.
How does it work?
Step 1: Buy your sampling kits in the Shop
Our sample collection kits ensure the DNA in your samples is preserved and protected during transit to our laboratory. We have kits for water, soil, scat and more.
Step 2: Collect your samples
Our molecular ecologists can advise you on sampling strategies and how to make the most of your budget
Step 3: Order your testing in the Portal
Register your samples online. Tell us which tests you want to order for each sample. Return the samples to us. We invoice you for the testing upon completion (we do reserve the right to charge for testing upfront if it is your first order). Alternatively, you can email your testing order to our team using the email in your kit.
Step 4: Receive your results
Your results will be sent to our secure online portal. If you need it, we can offer a free consultation to help you interpret your results.