Dr Aden Ip1, Dr Elizabeth Allan1, Professor Ryan Kelly1
1eDNA Collaborative, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
Biography:
Aden Ip is a staff scientist at the eDNA Collaborative, specializing in environmental genomics to monitor biodiversity and ecological health. His research focuses on practical eDNA applications for conservation and management, developing portable detection and sequencing methods for rapid biodiversity assessments. Aden’s work aims to make eDNA analysis more accessible, efficient, and reliable for a wide range of stakeholders. Outside the lab, Aden enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and photography, and is always eager to engage with fellow researchers and practitioners in environmental science.
Abstract:
Salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) are keystone species and important food fishes, making effective biomonitoring crucial for ecological and fisheries management. Traditional fish count surveys, while effective, are labor-intensive and often limited to areas in which fish are easily visible by observers. Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a non-invasive alternative for detecting species presence and understanding spatial distribution, with potential for quantification by correlating read counts with population size. At present, however, eDNA analysis is often limited to detection (presence-absence) and cannot reveal biological interactions or reproductive stages. This study aims to address these limitations by utilizing environmental RNA (eRNA) as a complementary tool. Water samples targeting eRNA were collected over a three-month period from salmon-spawning streams in Washington State (USA), with ancillary information available describing spawning activity stages, embryo development, and adult mortality. Weekly water samples from these streams were analyzed to track these biological processes, offering a non-invasive method to evaluate the success of spawning events and the number of participating individuals. Additionally, we explored the feasibility of using airborne eDNA as a substitute for water sampling. Air filters left overnight in the field were tested for salmon eDNA to evaluate this method's logistical efficiency. Our research aims to enhance eDNA-based monitoring solutions for salmon, a protected and vital species, and to demonstrate that eRNA can effectively track reproductive stages and ecological dynamics over time. These advances could complement traditional visual surveys and provide a more comprehensive understanding of salmon populations and their ecological interactions.