Environmental DNA as a Tool for Inventory and Monitoring of Aquatic Vertebrates

Abstract

The project demonstrated the effectiveness of environmental DNA techniques for monitoring sensitive aquatic vertebrate species and their invasive threats at Department of Defense (DoD) installations. We developed and validated eDNA sampling protocols for a variety of aquatic species, including frogs, salamanders, fish, and disease-causing pathogens. Working with field crews at Eglin AFB, Florida, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and Yakima Training Center, WA, we compared the results of our eDNA protocol to traditional field sampling with respect to sensitivity, detection probabilities, and cost efficiency. Compared to field surveys, eDNA sampling generally resulted in higher probability of detecting species when the species were present. Environmental DNA sampling for Sonora tiger salamander and flatwoods salamander had higher costs than field surveys in the initial year of test development for each species, but lower costs for ongoing sampling in subsequent years.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2017
Accession Number
AD1042062

Entities

People

  • Alexander K Fremier
  • Caren S. Goldberg
  • Katherine M. Strickler

Organizations

  • Washington State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Birds
  • Cells
  • Eutrophication
  • Fish
  • Fisheries
  • Habitats
  • Medical Personnel
  • Wildlife

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Wetland-Land-Environmental Management.