AP reports on researchers’ adapted DNA method to detect invasive fish
The Associated Press reported University of Maine scientists are working on a project to use DNA to locate invasive fish species in rivers and lakes. Michael Kinnison, professor of evolutionary applications at UMaine, is leading the project that will adapt emerging environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to detect the presence of invasive species, and other aquatic species, in Maine waters. The project will use eDNA detection to target the DNA material shed by specific aquatic species. Biologists have mostly had to rely on word of mouth from anglers and other residents to learn about the presence of invasive fish, Kinnison said. The pilot portion of the project, funded by the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, includes use of water samples to describe the extent of invasive northern pike in the Penobscot River system. The Portland Press Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, Sun Journal, Newsradio WGAN and Houston Chronicle carried the AP report. Phys.org published the UMaine news release.