Detection and Quantification of Fish Using Environmental DNA: Lessons from Common Carp

Measurement of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect fish species is an emerging tool in fisheries science. The genetic material released by fish into the water column or sediment can be measured using molecular tools, such as conventional PCR, quantitative PCR, and next-generation sequencing. Collection and analysis of eDNA samples is faster, less expensive, and potentially more sensitive than traditional census techniques. This presentation will provide an overview of our work to develop eDNA for biomass quantification of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in lakes where distributions and abundances are known. We will compare two approaches: 1) mitochondrial DNA analysis, and 2) metagenomic analysis of gut contents. We will highlight our findings, and in particular, our work to optimize eDNA methodology to improve fish detection rates. We will also discuss the shortcomings of these approaches and how they might be improved. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative‐Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).