Project overview
Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be a powerful tool for the early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and in conducting biodiversity assessments, but specific guidance on sampling design and best practices for improved detections are often lack ing. Aquatic invasive plant species can dramatically impact aquatic ecosystems and are often unknowingly spread through human activities (e.g., boating). Once established, many aquatic invasive plant species are difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate.
There is a push to develop tools that can aid in the early detection and rapid response (EDRR) of invasive species. Traditional field-based plant surveys may not be able to detect invasive plants until after they are established within a water body. A portable and relatively rapid tool, the Nanopare MinION device, can be used to detect aquatic invasive plant species from eDNA samples. These samples can be quickly and easily taken in the field relative to traditional field-based plant surveys.
We propose to improve the protocols for using this tool to detect aquatic invasive plant species by evaluating the impacts of sampling design (e.g., sampling placement and sampling volume) and water body characteristics (e.g., flow, depth, volume) on species-specific detection rates. We will use occupancy modeling to derive estimates of detection rates for multiple aquatic invasive plant species from multiple water bodies and sampling sites. The protocols for using the tool will aid in the early detection and rapid response of AIS.