Meeting Abstract
Early detection is paramount to effective management and regulation of rare species in aquatic and marine ecosystems. Successful early detection relies on timely results of species surveillance and monitoring. As a result, approaches have been developed using molecular tools to sample environmental DNA shed from targeted species. This noninvasive approach is cost and time efficient for monitoring species that are threatened, endangered, or recently introduced. Time efficiency from sample collection through data analyses and maintaining sterility to avoid contamination are crucial. However, current protocols require nearly 48 hours to complete, from sample collection through availability of DNA for downstream analyses. Here, we aim to reduce sample processing time through a series of modifications to current methods. To do this, we sampled water for environmental DNA analyses from aquaria containing brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). We compared DNA recovered (total and species specific) in standard 48-hr DNA extractions to amounts of DNA from our modified extraction methods. By quantifying DNA obtained from both protocols and comparing the results, we can determine differences between the methods and subsequent analyses can be modified to expedite results. This is especially important for targeted eDNA monitoring, where rapid results are critical. Modifying these protocols can also provide economic benefits, in terms of supply and labor costs. The scientific and economic benefits of this study will have an immediate impact on scientists completing early detection studies in applied molecular research.
