Is There a Proverbial Needle?: Implementation of a Great Lakes Edna Surveillance Program for Asian Carp

Preventative measures and early detection are the most effective and economical means to combat aquatic invasive species. Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp H. molitrix (Asian carp) are two threats poised to infiltrate the Great Lakes. The early detection of Asian carp may provide the opportunity to identify and remove individuals quickly, reducing the possibility of establishment. Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has rapidly progressed and has been employed for Asian carp monitoring with well-developed protocols.  The use of eDNA facilitates the implementation of a surveillance program over large scales with less effort and higher detection probability of the target species.  However, locating a new invasive species early in an invasion process within the massive Great Lakes system is still problematic. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been assigned as the lead agency to develop and implement eDNA monitoring throughout the Great Lakes for Asian carp. Extensive collaboration with state and other partners has been conducted to identify sampling areas and coordinate efforts.  A suite of predictive criteria has been synthesized to identify high probability locations of Asian carp if they are in the system. The program was successfully implemented starting in 2013 and continues to evolve.