Patterns and processes associated with the round goby invasion of the Great Lakes basin

Session: Application of Genomic Tools to Inform Management of the Great Lakes (2)

Jared Homola, Michigan State University, [email protected]
Nicholas Sard, Nicholas Sard, [email protected]
Seth Herbst, Michigan DNR-Fisheries, [email protected]
Jeannette Kanefsky, Michigan State University, [email protected]
John Robinson, Michigan State University, [email protected]
Kim Scribner, Dept. Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State, [email protected]

Abstract

We combined genomic, bioinformatic, and simulation modeling approaches to characterize ecological and evolutionary processes associated with the round goby invasion of the Great Lakes basin. This work involves three inter-related efforts. First, we used eDNA metabarcoding assays to detect invasive species and estimate their relative biomass in inland lakes. With this approach, we detected round gobies in 6 of 12 sampled lakes, demonstrating the ability of eDNA to complement traditional capture-based monitoring methods. Second, we used Approximate Bayesian Computation to evaluate support for hypothesized invasion routes. Supported models indicated different colonization histories in Michigan’s Flint, Au Sable, and Cheboygan River systems. Multiple introductions were supported for the Au Sable, versus single introductions in the Flint and Cheboygan Rivers. Lastly, we are using contemporary and preserved specimens to quantify genetic and morphological diversity of the species throughout the Great Lakes. Results will evaluate associations between up to 10,000 restriction-site associated SNP loci, habitat characteristics, and anatomical phenotypes. Collectively, these research projects provide insight into the processes that led to round goby expansion and diversification in the Great Lakes and inland waters, thereby better informing efforts to predict and mitigate the species’ future expansion.

Twitter handle of presenter
jared_homola