Invasive species surveys using eDNA in the Bourne Stream

We have been out this week using eDNA on our local stream to assess presence/absence of invasive species, including fish, invertebrates and bivalves.

Filtering a water sample from the Bourne Stream for eDNA analysis

As part of a suite of surveys aimed at gathering baseline data for the Bourne Stream on behalf of South West Water, BUG was using eDNA sampling to support physical ecological surveys to ascertain the presence/absence of invasive species in the water body.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are becoming more and more widespread as a complementary sampling tool to identify the presence/absence of species within water bodies by detecting DNA shed into the water column by organisms through natural processes (e.g. from mucus, shedding skin, eggs, etc). This water can be filtered and the DNA extracted to identify the species present.

Filter paper disc with the filtered eDNA sample, ready for laboratory analysis