Meeting Abstract

45.6  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Using environmental DNA to elucidate the Asian carp (genus Hypophthalmichthys) invasion front in the Chicago Area Waterway System MAHON, A.R.*; JERDE, C.L.; CHADDERTON, W.L.; LODGE, D.M.; University of Notre Dame; University of Notre Dame; The Nature Conservancy; University of Notre Dame amahon@nd.edu

Detection of new incursions of invasive species routinely relies upon the ability to detect and monitor low densities of patchily distributed non-indigenous species. This can be particularly challenging in aquatic ecosystems, where even large organisms can be difficult to directly observe or capture. Traditional sampling methods are only effective in a narrow range of habitats, principally shallow water, with slow water velocities, or moderate to high visibility. Genetic sampling methods have the potential to overcome many of the constraints posed by traditional aquatic monitoring and detection gear. Here we present results of surveillance efforts using environmental DNA to delimitate the spread of bighead and silver carps (Hypopthalmichthys nobilis and H. molitrix) from the Illinois River through the Chicago Area Waterway System to Lake Michigan. Repeated detection of Asian carp DNA above the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s electric barriers in 2009 and 2010 indicate that the invasion of Lake Michigan by silver carp has started and is imminent for bighead carp. Our results indicate that monitoring for the presence of environmental DNA of high-risk species has potential to provide a sensitive early detection surveillance method in aquatic environments.