Book Chapter Points the Way to Sound Forensic Science

Practitioners in the field of wildlife forensic science can now look to a new publication for guidance in improving their analyses. A member of the NCCOS Marine Forensics Program is the primary author of a book chapter on best practices in wildlife forensic DNA analysis, including specific standards to be met by scientists working in forensic laboratories for state and federal wildlife law enforcement agencies. Adherence to these standards will help scientists become more readily qualified as expert witnesses and have their work withstand courtroom scrutiny. This strengthens enforcement of our nation’s laws designed to protect threatened and endangered species and other valuable marine resources.