Publications
Document Type
Report
Publication Date
3-2020
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) tools developed at the University of Maine were successfully deployed in four coastal streams in Casco Bay, Maine in spring 2018 to detect the presence of anadromous rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), the first full application of this emerging technique. Field methods were refined and tested at sites with documented high (2) and low (2) spawning productivity. Samples were collected below known spawning areas immediately upstream of estuarine tidal influence 2-3 times each week during the spawning season. Three replicate samples were collected in the field at each site, as well as a contamination control, and all samples were filtered and preserved for laboratory analysis. Extracted eDNA samples and controls were run on three replicate qPCR assays.
Initial efforts to extract eDNA from samples were hampered by the presence of environmental inhibitors. Use of a Zymo OneStep PCR Inhibitor Removal Kits appears to have overcome this problem and field collected eDNA samples were amplified successfully using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In partnership with a qualified lab, these tools can now provide a low-cost, userfriendly, and reliable method for monitoring the presence of rainbow smelt.
Recommended Citation
Aman, Jacob; Kinnison, Michael T. PhD; Holmes, Vaughn; and Gottsegen, Claire, "Developing Cost Effective Monitoring for Rainbow Smelt Using eDNA" (2020). Publications. 329.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/cbep-publications/329
Location
Brunswick, Casco Bay, Falmouth, Freeport, Long Creek
Comments
Data disclaimer: Data are preliminary and should not be cited without contacting the author.
This project was funded in part by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, in which proceeds from the sale of a dedicated instant lottery ticket (currently “Lobster Loot”), are used to support outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation. For more information about MOHF, go to www.maine.gov/ifw/MOHF.html
Project funding was also provided by the Casco Bay Estuary Partnership under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cooperative Agreement #CE00A00063-0 with the University of Southern Maine, and by Maine Coastal Program, Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the University of Maine.