Aquatic invasive species (AIS) detection efforts are critical to the monitoring and management of invasive species and protection of aquatic ecosystems

This Cooperative Agreement awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species (CFDA 15.608) program provides $499,432 to The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. The project will work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to compile genetic information on priority aquatic invasive species (AIS) and develop species-specific environmental DNA (eDNA) markers for early detection of AIS across aquatic ecosystems in the United States. The implementation of these eDNA assays will provide scientists with a key molecular tool to investigate the spread of AIS and support monitoring and management efforts to protect native aquatic ecosystems.

Early detection of AIS is a key component in monitoring and response. One molecular tool for early detection is the development of environmental DNA (EDNA) assays that can detect small quantities of DNA from target species in the environment. Yet currently EDNA assays are not available for emerging invasive species throughout aquatic ecosystems with critical need and across a broad geographic range in the united states. This project will work with the united states fish and wildlife service (USFWS) to compile and generate fundamental genetic information on priority AIS and subsequently use that information to develop species specific EDNA markers. Marker development will follow a set of standardized protocols and validation procedures prior to implementation. The implementation of EDNA assays developed in this project will be an important part of the molecular toolbox that scientists can use to investigate the spread of AIS in aquatic ecosystems.