eDNA detection of Burbot in British and Flemish waterbodies

A request came from the UK whether INBO, with its accumulated eDNA expertise, could screen a range of waters for the presence of burbot (Lota lota). This species is in all likelihood completely extinct in the UK, so a reintroduction campaign was launched. Before the effective reintroduction takes place, it must be 100% certain for the waters concerned that the species does not (or no longer) occurs there. INBO will use eDNA analyses to verify that burbot are indeed no longer present.