Dr Bettina Thalinger1,3, MSc Larissa Holman2, BSc Shanna MacDonald3, BSc Megan Cowperthwaite3, Prof. Dirk Steinke3
1University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, 2Ottawa Riverkeeper, Ottawa, Canada, 3University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
The large Canadian river systems harbour a high fish diversity, which is potentially threatened by invasive species and anthropogenic influences, such as hydropower dams which limit habitat connectivity. In this environment, knowledge on species distribution is crucial for both, protection, and management measures. By combining the sensitivity and efficiency of environmental DNA (eDNA) based methods with local knowledge, we seek to obtain detailed information on fish species distribution and diversity, and gap the bridge between scientists, NGOs, local communities, and policy makers. In a first step, we sampled the reaches of the Ottawa river between Lake Timiscaming and Montreal with the aims of a) incorporating a community science friendly sampling protocol, b) establishing a robust strategy for detecting the local fish biodiversity and c) providing a sound interpretation of the obtained results and potential implications. Our results show a high overlap between the species detected with traditional methods and the eDNA-based results and they confirm the superior sensitivity of the molecular approach. Furthermore, the obtained data emphasize the importance of field and laboratory replicates, the incorporation of local hydrology, and the use of strict parameters for taxonomic assignment. This case study exemplifies that community-based sampling campaigns have the potential to connect the different stakeholder groups, generate robust data for protection and management decisions, and increase the local support for such measures.
Biography:
‘Biographies to come’