Meeting Abstract
Detection of rare species in systems, whether they are threatened and endangered or invasive, relies upon the ability to detect and monitor low densities of these organisms with patchy distributions. This can be particularly challenging in aquatic ecosystems, where even large organisms can be difficult to directly observe or capture. Here in the United States, we have been fighting this battle with a number of species, including non-native fishes and invertebrates throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes ecosystem. Traditional sampling methods have proven to only be effective in a narrow range of habitats, principally shallow water with slow water velocities, or there is moderate to high visibility. Additionally, monitoring established populations of species and determining their population structure, origin, and size at low densities has proven difficult. Genetic and genomic methods have the potential to overcome many of the constraints posed by traditional aquatic monitoring and detection gear. However, despite the promise of DNA-based monitoring methods, the adoption of these tools and their acceptance in decision-making frameworks remains challenging. The current status of DNA-based tools for aquatic invasive species monitoring in U.S. and the impediments to their effective translation into management contexts will be discussed. Potential sources of uncertainty associated with molecular technologies, possibilities for limiting that uncertainty, and the future use of these tools for invasive species surveillance in North American waters will be presented.
