Measuring construction impacts on aquatic biodiversity
A GMGI eDNA Service Case Study
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The Challenge
Major construction in and around a river can alter habitat, disturb sediments, and affect aquatic communities. But how do you determine whether observed ecological changes are actually associated with construction? First, you need a strong biological baseline.
GMGI is supporting an environmental organization involved in a major riverbed construction project in Connecticut. The project involves substantial construction activity within and adjacent to a river system, creating a need to understand the fish community before work begins and to track potential changes as the project proceeds.
The GMGI Approach
GMGI is using eDNA to establish a pre-construction baseline of fish and invertebrates biodiversity across the project area. By analyzing DNA that organisms leave behind in the water, GMGI can document resident communities and investigate the presence of species of conservation or regulatory concern without relying exclusively on physical capture.
Using a consistent sampling and analysis framework, the same locations can then be evaluated during and after construction, providing a direct way to assess changes in species detection and community composition over time.
The Impact
For major construction and infrastructure projects, eDNA can provide an additional line of evidence for environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, and construction-impact monitoring.
GMGI can work with environmental organizations, engineering firms, regulators, and project teams to design eDNA monitoring around the specific risks and regulatory questions associated with a construction project—providing defensible baseline data before disturbance occurs and a means to measure ecological change as work moves forward.