Strategic Partnership to Advance Environmental DNA Science and Application

Joint partnership to help industry and public organizations quickly and accurately conduct biomonitoring surveys 


GUELPH, Ontario and MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Precision Biomonitoring Inc. and EcoMetrix Inc. have joined forces to advance the state of basic and applied science as it relates to Environmental DNA (eDNA) tools, approaches and methodologies. eDNA is DNA that has been shed from an organism into the surrounding environment. Using eDNA, organisms can be detected from the presence of their DNA in environmental samples (water, soil, sediment) without the need to visually identify or collect tissue specimens to identify organisms in a given study area.

Precision Biomonitoring, a leader in developing environmental DNA (eDNA) tools to detect organisms, is connecting its TRIPLELOCK platform with EcoMetrix’ strength in the intelligent execution of environmental assessment. EcoMetrix is a full-service environmental company consulting to public and private sector clients since 2004. This partnership places both companies at the forefront of applying eDNA to meet the environmental goals of industry and conservation groups.

Environmental professionals and their clients are always looking to enhance information gained in an environmental assessment while optimizing speed, accuracy, and cost effectiveness. eDNA approaches provide complimentary solutions to traditional assessment techniques based on visual identification of captured specimens. They are poised to reliably detect species faster and at a lower cost than conventional methods and have been proven to be effective at detecting species that are secretive or of low abundance. Further, collection of eDNA means target species can be detected and/or system biodiversity can be characterized without sacrificing or endangering biota.

“It is my pleasure to announce that Precision Monitoring’s TRIPLELOCK™ DNA platform will now be advanced with and applied by EcoMetrix for the benefit of public and private sector clients. EcoMetrix is known for their commitment to quality and to building practical and innovative solutions in response to their clients’ needs. As such, this partnership offers strong support for our business,” said Dr. Mario Thomas, Precision Biomonitoring’s CEO.

“EcoMetrix is very excited to be embarking on a partnership with Precision Biomonitoring,” said Bruce Rodgers, EcoMetrix’s CEO. “The application of eDNA approaches is relatively new, especially for industrial sites. Working together, EcoMetrix and Precision Biomonitoring have created a unique opportunity to identify where this technology best meets the needs of end users and to ensure that program design and the data yielded are of high quality.”

“eDNA surveys offer more than efficient resource allocation, they also have health and safety benefits, too. For example, eDNA assays may mean less time spent in remote areas or on boats collecting samples for biodiversity assessments compared to conventional approaches. Together with Precision Biomonitoring, we feel we can maximize our ability to provide innovative and environmentally responsible solutions to our clients and strategic partners,” said Rodgers.

About Precision Biomonitoring Inc.
Founded in 2016 by a team of scientists from the University of Guelph's Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Precision Biomonitoring ​ ​provides ​TripleLock™ onsite eDNA​ ​surveillance platform solutions ​that​ give customers ​earlier detection of organisms for a more rapid response. ​​Customers​ are any organization​s​ that need onsite surveillance and ​rapid ​identification of any organism in any environment​. ​The Precision Biomonitoring team is at the forefront of technological innovations in the ​genomics ​industry. Our vision is a world where we can identify any organism on the spot, in an instant, anywhere on the planet.

About EcoMetrix Incorporated
EcoMetrix Incorporated is a team of environmental scientists and engineers that specializes in helping our clients meet their environmental goals. We do that by leveraging Environmental Intelligence, which is a mindset that incorporates thought, applications, solutions and communication. eDNA is a tool that we believe brings intelligence to environmental assessment, and provides insightful information to support our clients’ decision making.

For more information or to setup an interview, please call Mario Thomas at 647-466-8008, or Elizabeth Haack at 905-794-2325.

A video included with this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3bdc7c84-7602-47ba-8269-f7f5378a7dcd