2021 MSWC Session 8-Denise Blanchette, Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Описание: 2021 MAINE SUSTAINABILITY & WATER CONFERENCE - 4/1/2021

Session 8 - Invasive Invertebrate Species Detection in Northeast Regional Lakes using Environmental DNA (eDNA)

Denise Blanchette1, Alison Watts2
1. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Augusta, ME
2. University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH

In this study we developed and conducted a pilot environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling program for target invasive invertebrate species in northeastern lakes. This project provides proof of concept and initial eDNA data for two invasive invertebrates; Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) and Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). These species are present in some areas of the region and are considered at risk of spread. Improved early detection methods will support timely response and management actions.May through October 2019, samples from 16 sites in six New England Lakes were collected and analyzed. Samples were analyzed by University of New Hampshire using ddPCR.

Asian clam analysis successfully detected DNA near known infestations in three lakes, with the concentration decreasing with distance. Zebra mussel analysis detected DNA in a lake with a viable population but detected very low or no signal at sites with smaller infestations, or where an infestation had been recently removed. Concentrations were higher in spring/early summer. Zebra mussel signal in viable populations was highest in May, slightly lower in July, and lowest in October. Sampling in early spring will likely improve detection probability. Asian clam concentration was highest in July and May, and lowest in October. The Asian clam signal may peak slightly later in the spring than zebra mussel.

Additional analysis will support the development of occupancy models to estimate sampling design detection probabilities. Re-sample low concentration sites in early spring, taking larger volume samples, and focusing on areas with known colonies to develop low concentration detection methods.



For more information about the 2021 Maine Sustainability & Water Conference, go to https://umaine.edu/mitchellcenter/202....