loading page

Red fish, blue fish, native fish, new fish: eDNA as a tool to monitor fish in estuarine systems
  • +8
  • Alison Watts,
  • Laura Crane,
  • Jason Garwood,
  • Jason Goldstein,
  • Megan Lamb,
  • Christopher Peter,
  • Yoshimi Rii,
  • Shon Schooler,
  • Devin Thomas,
  • William Thomas,
  • Bree Yednock
Alison Watts
University of New Hampshire

Corresponding Author:alison.watts@unh.edu

Author Profile
Laura Crane
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
Author Profile
Jason Garwood
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Author Profile
Jason Goldstein
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
Author Profile
Megan Lamb
Appalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Author Profile
Christopher Peter
Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Author Profile
Yoshimi Rii
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
Author Profile
Shon Schooler
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Author Profile
Devin Thomas
University of New Hampshire
Author Profile
William Thomas
University of New Hampshire
Author Profile
Bree Yednock
South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Author Profile

Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is emerging as a potentially powerful tool to assess aquatic ecosystems, and to monitor fish assemblages. We conducted a pilot eDNA water sampling program at 5 Reserves within the National Estuarine Research Reserve System from temperate and tropical estuaries to better understand how eDNA data can support detection of fish species within an standardized monitoring network. Samples were collected in coordination with an existing long term monitoring program, and the sampling plan was designed to minimize additional work for field teams. We found that results varied; in some estuaries the number and type of fish species was consistent with expected occurrence, and eDNA analysis detected fish that often eluded traditional sampling methods. In warm turbid waters, however, we detected fewer species than expected, suggesting that additional processing is required at these sites. Managers interested in applying standardized eDNA monitoring across a range of sites may want to consider a decision tree protocol, where a baseline methodology is developed for all sites, enhanced by additional laboratory or analysis steps when specific conditions are present.
11 Feb 2022Submitted to Molecular Ecology Resources
28 Feb 2022Submission Checks Completed
28 Feb 2022Assigned to Editor
21 Mar 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 May 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending