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Evaluating the Viability of Portable eDNA Detection Devices

Description

Water filtration for eDNA sampling. Copyright Justin Shead, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Water filtration for eDNA sampling. © Justin Shead, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Portable eDNA analysis unit. Copyright Robert Bajno, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Portable eDNA analysis unit. © Robert Bajno, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become an effective means to detect the presence of different species in aquatic environments, and an important tool in the management of invasive species and species-at-risk. Ongoing improvements to DNA analysis techniques have generated handheld quantitative PCR (qPCR) devices that can detect, identify, and quantify eDNA in the field. These devices reduce the time of data acquisition by eliminating the need for transportation of samples, thereby expediting the generation of crucial information, enabling rapid responses from decision makers when needed. With GRDI funding, DFO scientists have developed protocols for aquatic species of interest and are working to integrate this useful detection technology in research and resource monitoring programs in Canada.

This project will use portable eDNA analysis devices to survey for the presence of Zebra Mussels in freshwater ecosystems in Manitoba. Zebra Mussels are a prolific invasive species causing large economic and ecological impacts and have become established in Eastern Canada and the Laurentian Great Lakes. Their migration west is of great concern to the Prairie Provinces and our national parks. The use of portable eDNA detection devices will allow these clients to survey large areas without being fully dependent on the backing of a diagnostic laboratory system, thus reducing the costs for the acquisition of crucial information. Once the technology has been determined to be effective with Zebra Mussel, it will be adapted for use with other aquatic species important to Canada such as Bull Trout, Dolly Varden, and Carmine Shiner.

The project has three main objectives:

  1. Develop eDNA extraction methods for in-field application.
  2. Investigate the efficacy of portable technology for detecting eDNA.
  3. Adapt the methods for application with other aquatic species.

The development of mobile detection devices empowers clients to conduct swift analysis on invasive species and species-at-risk in a way that is non-destructive. This will lead to further independence when solving time-sensitive problems in remote locations, where laboratory facilities are not available and logistics are challenging.

Scientific title for this project: Detecting aquatic organisms ‘In the Field’ using environmental DNA methods.

Program Name

Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI)

Years

2017 - 2019

Principal Investigators

Robert Bajno
Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Jim Reist
Fisheries and Oceans Canada

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