Asian Carp Detection in the Québec St. Lawrence River Using eDNA Surveys

Session: Poster session

Guillaume Côté, Ministère des Forêts, Faune et Parcs, [email protected]
Rémy Pouliot, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, [email protected]
Olivier Morissette, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, [email protected]
Frederic Lecomte, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, [email protected]
Annick Drouin, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, [email protected]

Abstract

With environmental DNA (eDNA) becoming a key tool allowing early detection of invasive species when they are present at very low abundance, the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks of the province of Québec initiated an eDNA study in 2015. With the inception of the Québec Asian Carp Program in 2016, the eDNA survey was expanded and optimized to be fully integrated in an early detection monitoring program. In 2017, 323 water samples were collected along the St-Lawrence River (SLR) and its major tributaries, with a special focus on regions connected to the Great Lakes or the Lake Champlain. Grass carp eDNA was detected in 12 samples. Results were confirmed by direct sequencing. The majority of positive detections were limited to the upstream and middle portions of the SLR and to two major tributaries. Positive samples obtained in 2017 were located in similar areas were eDNA was observed in 2015 and 2016. Some samples collected from the Richelieu River where positive for grass carp DNA in 2015 and 2017 (not tested in 2016). The Richelieu River connects Lake Champlain to the SLR. Until now, all samples tested for silver, bighead or black carp yield negative results.

1. Keyword
carp

2. Keyword
genetics

3. Keyword
St. Lawrence River

4. Additional Keyword
eDNA