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Detecting Colonizing Aquatic Organisms Using Environmental DNA (eDNA) Techniques

Description

Co-management approach to environmental DNA sample collection to detect Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma), a species designated as “Special Concern” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). DFO and Fisheries Joint Management Committee Biologists along with a community member from Aklavik, NT taking water samples from the Blow River in northern Yukon. Credit: Karen Dunmall, DFO

Environmental DNA (eDNA) or DNA that is isolated from environmental samples (e.g., water, soil) is quickly becoming a tool used by researchers to detect the occurrence of organisms that do not normally belong to an ecosystem. The method is an efficient and cost-effective alternative to standard surveying methods (e.g., netting, electrofishing) over large areas in aquatic environments. Although eDNA methods cannot currently replace standard sampling techniques to confirm the presence of target organisms, they can be used as a supplementary tool to focus sampling efforts, thus distinguishing eDNA as a valuable tool in monitoring programs. Colonizing organisms, whether considered invasive through unintentional human introduction or through range expansion due in part to a climate change response, may pose a threat to native species and their habitats. The ability to quickly detect and monitor colonizing organisms allows decision makers to develop management strategies in an effective manner.

This research will develop test-case eDNA assays or tests that will be able to detect and eventually monitor distribution patterns of organisms of management concern. Specifically, new molecular eDNA assays for species of concern in the Central and Arctic Region will be developed (e.g., Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Dolly Varden, Bull Trout, Zebra Mussel, Rusty Crayfish etc.). Modifications to existing assays (e.g., those developed for Asian Carps) and integration of multiple eDNA tests into new complexes able to identify multiple species at one time will be undertaken. This research will enable the development of efficient and cost-effective alternatives to standard surveying methods in aquatic environments. The techniques developed in these test-case assays will be transferable to monitoring projects and future field programs surveying different target species.

Program Name

Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI)

Year(s)

2014 - 2017

Principal Investigator(s)

Robert Bajno
lead

Karen Dunmall

Tim Gingera

Jim Reist
Fisheries and Oceans Canada

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