The Aquatic eDNA Atlas and Applications for Desert Fish

Authors: Yvette Paroz

Year: 2018

Abstract

The eDNAtlas is an open-access database developed through crowd-sourced field surveys that provides precise spatial information on the occurrence locations of aquatic species in the U.S. The eDNA samples constituting the database are collected using a standardized field sampling protocol by numerous natural resource agencies and non-governmental organizations partnered with the National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation (NGC), which is a science collaborative within the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the U.S. Forest Service. The eDNAtlas database contains results from thousands of sites and dozens of species and is annually updated with additional results for a growing list of species. Many markers are being developed for desert fish and other aquatic species. Initial results indicate that eDNA is a powerful tool for detection of cryptic species especially in lotic environments.