Edna- Past, Present, and Future: The Mississippi River/Great Lakes Seperation Example From a Fishery Management Perspective

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging tool used in the management of aquatic animals throughout the world. Being a developing science, the initial interpretation of the results has been challenging- often confusing and open to a high degree of subjectively driven interpretations. The history of eDNA and its usage is described in the management context of keeping Asian carp out of the Great Lakes and the Chicago Area Waterways system. The results from the tool have sparked action in keeping the carp out of the Great Lakes. However, the results have become more confusing as scientists have learned more about the tool and possible explanations for the results that the tool provides. Current research is showing promise, and the potential for promise, by using a variety of new molecular and sampling techniques. Calibration results from current research to remove some of the uncertainty and confusion surrounding the results from eDNA analyses show promise to improve the tool.