Environmental DNA Surveillance of Asian Carp in the Muskingum River Watershed Utilizing Genetic and Genomic Technologies

Asian carp, specifically bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver (H. molitrix) carp, have potentially begun entry into the Laurentian Great Lakes (LGL). With native aquatic communities at risk, additional invasion pathways outside of the Chicago Area Waterway System are a growing concern. Encompassing 20% of Ohio, the Muskingum River Watershed (MRW) is the largest watershed in the state. Considering its linkage of the Ohio River to Killbuck Creek and, therefore, the Ohio-Erie Canal, the MRW was our focus as a possible invasion front for Asian carp into the LGL. The status of Asian carp in the watershed was determined using environmental DNA (eDNA) and digital droplet polymerase chain reaction technology (ddPCR). When compared to traditional PCR, ddPCR is a more precise screening method offering absolute quantification and a higher probability of detecting low quantities of eDNA. In the fall of 2013, a total of 210 water samples were taken from 7 river reaches within the MRW.  DNA extracted from the samples was screened with species-specific markers using traditional PCR and ddPCR. The results of this study will help determine the extent of the Asian carp invasion into the watershed.