Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of environmental DNA for monitoring and management of priority invasive species

Project Description

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are one of the five global drivers of biodiversity loss and the rate of biological invasions is increasing. Dreissenid mussels (zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha and quagga mussels D. rostriformis bugensis) are INNS that are high on the UK priority list for monitoring and management, due to their potential for rapid spread and negative impacts to biodiversity, infrastructure and human health. Dreissenids can rapidly colonise hard surfaces, causing major problems for the water industry and power companies by clogging pipes and encrusting other artificial structures. In Yorkshire alone, removal of zebra mussels from pipework currently costs £600K per annum.

Early detection is key to preventing establishment and further spread of INNS, but this is particularly challenging for species that have microscopic life stages. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a sensitive new method that is starting to revolutionise how we monitor INNS. This NERC PANORAMA DTP studentship will use these tools to obtain novel insights into the dynamics of Dreissenid eDNA and to improve understanding of the species’ distribution and impact. Methods and data generated during the studentship will be critical for facilitating Dreissenid monitoring, management and mitigation.

Project Objectives
To understand the temporal dynamics of Dreissenid eDNA and inform future sampling campaigns.

To understand the spatial dynamics of eDNA distribution and determine which key environmental variables influence the probability of detection of Dreissenid eDNA

To use eDNA to identify key pathways and vectors for Dreissenid spread

To evaluate the impact of Dreissenid mussels on the structure and function of invaded ecosystems