What is eDNA?

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is genetic material that organisms shed into their natural surroundings like water, soil, or air. This can be from skin cells, fur, scales, other waste from the organism, or even the decomposing remains of a deceased organism. This genetic material remains in the environment for various time periods due to weather conditions, UV radiation, microbial activity, and the natural decomposition rate of the material. While this eDNA remains in the environment scientists can collect samples to test for which species are living in a certain area without needing to catch or see them directly, which in some cases like aquatic eDNA sampling can be very difficult.

The Catskill Center CRISP invasive species management operates in terrestrial and aquatic teams, but eDNA sampling is currently only done by the aquatic team by using an eDNA collection backpack. This is because eDNA sampling in terrestrial environments is significantly more difficult than in aquatic environments. Genetic material is able to disperse through the water column fairly evenly as it flows downstream and is easily filtered through the backpack which can detect all of the eDNA. In terrestrial environments PCR inhibitors in the soil and the fact of how genetic material is not able to evenly disperse through the soil like how it does in water, are the main reasons why it is difficult to detect the genetic material. (include pic of sampling backpack here)

Chesapeake WILD Grant

The Catskill Center was awarded a $53,000 Chesapeake Watershed Investments in Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) grant to support early detection of aquatic invasive species in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed through eDNA sampling.

With this funding, the Catskill Center will conduct early detection eDNA sampling to identify aquatic invasive species that may be establishing in local waterways. Where invasive species are detected, the project will follow up with traditional field sampling methods to assess population density, distribution, and determine the most effective management and spread prevention strategies. This work builds on ongoing efforts to advance education, prevention, early detection, and control of invasive species.

The goal of the project is to proactively safeguard the long-term health of the New York State’s waterways and native biodiversity. By enabling the Catskill Center to detect invasive species earlier and across broader stretches of streams, rivers, and lakes, eDNA strengthens the region’s ability to protect the intricate web of native fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and plant communities that define the Upper Susquehanna ecosystem.

This technology may also help identify invasive species at early stages of establishment, when rapid response could help curb negative impacts to habitat, food webs, and water quality. The data generated through this project will inform invasive species management plans aimed at safeguarding rare, threatened, and endangered species within the watershed.

Where are we sampling?

Since the Upper Susquehanna river is a major tributary of the Chesapeake Bay watershed our sampling takes place primarily in the western region of the Catskill park where several smaller waterways flow into the main branch of the Upper Susquehanna. Below is a list of these waterways: (include pic of sampling locations from qGIS map when finished)

Charlotte Creek, Otsego Lake, Canadarago Lake, Unidilla Lake, Unidilla River, Oaks Creek, Crumhorn Lake, Cherry Valley Creek, Schenevus Creek, Butternut Creek, Chenango River, Canasawacta Creek, Tioughnioga River, Snake Creek, Little Nanticoke Creek, Chemung River.

What is the data used for and where does it go?

The main purpose of this sampling data is to have early detection of invasive species populations before they grow out of control. By sampling many locations along rivers and lakes we can get a good picture of where these populations are and how fast they are spreading year to year. If we detect a population of an invasive species that is large enough to be categorized out of the tier 1 early detection phase then we know it is time to shift the management technique for that particular species into the higher tiers with more aggressive and robust control. Our sampling backpack equipment is designed to detect any of the 53 invasive species that we deal with in the region (include link to section of website with invasive list).

Once sampling has been completed for the year the filters containing the eDNA are shipped off to Cornell University Genomics Resources Core Facility or related aquatic health programs for analysis and reports. Through this partnership the Catskill Center is able to track biodiversity and monitor high-priority invasive species. (maybe find link to cornell website for this data if they have something)

Which invasive species are high priority?