Volunteer surveillance of AIS using eDNA: Phase II

This is an extension of a previous phase of eDNA sampling aimed at determining how well eDNA sample collection and filtration methods can be deployed by volunteers. Researchers in this phrase are learning about how effective volunteers are at detecting AIS with the hope of scaling this project up to detect aquatic invasives throughout Minnesota.

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, and their presence usually results in significant ecological and economic damage. Early detection of AIS allows for a better chance of eradication and effective management strategies to be employed. Minnesota currently samples for aquatic invasives opportunistically; however, in order to sufficiently monitor for AIS, widespread surveillance techniques must be developed that are rapidly deployable, cost-effective, accurate, and feasible for non-researchers to use. This lack of standardized, representative sampling means that our current understanding of AIS prevalence in Minnesota lakes is likely underestimated.

This is a MAISRC project testing a citizen science approach for detecting aquatic invasive species using eDNA. The research team provided volunteers with sampling dates, materials, and protocols in order to assess the accuracy of eDNA monitoring, and investigate the prevalence of high priority aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels, rusty crayfish, spiny waterflea, and common carp in Minnesota.

This study, conducted across ten lakes with ten volunteers per lake, serves as a pilot project demonstrating the feasibility of this approach. The project aimed to establish a replicable model for similar efforts elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of training materials such as videos and manuals. The research team recruited and trained volunteers from around Minnesota, provided sampling equipment, and facilitated volunteer collection of eDNA samples with the goal of volunteers independently collecting water samples and filtering for eDNA. Filters were mailed to the university and analyzed in the lab for the presence of four invasive species with known presence within each lake. Results were compared to eDNA sampling results conducted by University scientists to determine the detection rate of volunteer sampling.

Results

The contamination rates in samples collected by volunteers was relatively low, and the target species were detected at most lakes where they were known to be present. Zebra mussels were most detectable using eDNA, and spiny water flea was least detectable in the study lakes. Volunteers enjoyed the monitoring process. Overall, volunteer monitors were successful in completing the sampling with a level of accuracy comparable to that of University scientists. This success paves the way for broader adoption of eDNA sampling by volunteer scientists, facilitating more extensive monitoring efforts for AIS and other environmental concerns.

Next steps

Based on the results of this research, the team is assessing the feasibility of a larger scale monitoring program designed to use volunteer sampling to collect the eDNA samples. The remaining questions involve determining how to fund statewide eDNA monitoring, addressing the follow-up procedures for an eDNA detection such as discerning whether the zebra mussel DNA originates from a thriving population in the lake or from a deceased zebra mussel attached to a boat arriving from another lake, and deciding which species to target in the eDNA search (the methods employed have limitations in detecting only the species actively sought).

Lakes surveilled: