Catching Invasive Species

We all know that invasive species cause a lot of problems. The introduced organisms are often so good at being themselves that, with the help of a lack of native predators, they outcompete already existing organisms. Famous examples of critters like lionfish,  asian shore crabs, zebra mussels and a multitude of others have wrecked havoc on local areas. One study estimated that biological invasions have cost North America roughly $26 billion dollars a year. Thus it should be no surprise that finding ways of dealing with invasive species has been a top priority of scientists for decades. Enter environmental DNA. 

As I have written about previously, I have had the fortune to work at an environment DNA (eDNA) lab and learn quite a bit about the methods and research that are used. eDNA refers to genetic material that is just floating around nature in the form of shedded skin or fecal matter. With the increase in more advanced bioinformatic methods we can scoop this DNA from the environment and compare it to DNA sequences in databases to find out what species it came from. 

The basic steps of eDNA

But how does this help with combatting invasive species? Picture this. You work for a bio-monitoring program, scouting specific areas in a national park for possible abnormalities. One day you find a slew of green crabs on the beaches that are already everywhere! It's too late. You now have a possible environmental disaster! eDNA offers a clever tool in which instead of monitoring invasive organisms by physically locating them after they arrive, scientists are now able to detect them before they have a chance to fully establish themselves!