Environmental DNA (eDNA): A tool for quantifying the abundant but elusive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus).

ABSTRACT: Environmental DNA (eDNA) is revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring, occupancy estimates, and real-time detections of invasive species. In the Great Lakes, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), an invasive benthic fish from the Black Sea, has spread to encompass all five lakes and many tributaries, outcompeting or consuming native species; however, estimates of round goby abundance are confounded by behavior and habitat preference, which impact reliable methods for estimating their population. By integrating eDNA into round goby monitoring, improved estimates of biomass may be obtainable. We conducted mesocosm experiments to estimate rates of goby DNA shedding and decay. Further, we compared eDNA with several methods of traditional field sampling to compare its use as an alternative/com

SUBMITTER: Nevers MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5777661 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature