The Role of Molecular Genetic Tools in Aquatic Invasive Species Management in the Great Lakes Basin

Technological advances have driven the development of multiple genetic methods that facilitate screening aquatic samples for rare species. These tools promise to assist with or significantly alleviate difficulties associated with traditional monitoring approaches through increases in sensitivity, reduction of processing time and costs, and improving specificity of target identifications. Despite these apparent advantages, acceptance of DNA-based monitoring methods in real world decision-making frameworks remains challenging. Here, I will describe some of the impediments to effectively using molecular genetic methods in applied situations. In addition to surveying the current use of DNA-based tools for aquatic monitoring, the potential sources of uncertainty associated with molecular technologies will be discussed. Particular attention will be focused on the recent adoption of DNA-based methods for the detection of invasive species in the Great Lakes region, as these examples illustrate many of the challenges associated with applying molecular tools to achieve desired management outcomes. An overall assessment of the obstacles associated with integrating DNA-based methods into aquatic surveillance and monitoring will be discussed and recommendations for future efforts aimed at overcoming those obstacles will be analyzed.