Integration of Environmental DNA (eDNA) Data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
USGS and Department of the Interior partners have added a new, advanced capability to the early detection and rapid response tool set – the integration of environmental DNA and sighting data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database.
The Science Issue and Relevance
Environmental DNA (eDNA), genetic material that living organisms leave behind in the water, soil, or air as they move through, provides an opportunity to perform high sensitivity monitoring for hard-to-detect, or cryptic, invasive species. This project involves including eDNA data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database, which currently maps and displays the distribution of non-native aquatic species detected through visual identification or physical capture. This expanded utility of the NAS database provides scientists a centralized location for sharing their invasive species eDNA data, and in the process, provides researchers and managers expanded access to the information they may need for optimizing their study design and/or management decisions. The development of conservative reporting standards is necessary before researchers are able to submit eDNA detection data for display on the public database. Working with the invasive species and eDNA community (researchers, managers, end-users), we are identifying these standards and have created an application process to ensure the standards and best practices are used to produce the data displayed.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue
This project will result in the production of an online guidance document, an application, and data submission forms, accessed via the NAS database website. The guidance document will detail the application process to have eDNA data admitted to the database and inform an applicant about the subsequent data submission process. The application consists of a series of questions which require the applicant to describe their adherence to the use of standards, controls, and best practices during the production of their eDNA datasets. To produce the application, a detailed assessment of existing standards for the publication of eDNA data was reviewed. From this, the proposed recommendations for the minimum information for publication of eDNA experimental data were determined. We engaged stakeholders and have sought feedback, both from selected individuals who were asked to review the materials, as well as broader groups who provided comments via a survey. The application and the data submission forms will be hosted on the website.
Future Steps
The eDNA web viewer, implemented through the NAS database structure, will provide long-term access to the data uploaded by researchers, just as it has done with data from visual observations of non-native aquatic species. The information displayed on the NAS website is available for viewing by any public entity without cost. As time allows, and in concert with our network, we will discuss the existing or future options for management of entire datasets in a long-term central source, possibly facilitated through a collaborative effort within the group. Our goal is to organize a core group of constituents who will continue to update methods for eDNA reporting as the field continues to evolve.
Environmental DNA (eDNA): Combining Technology and Biology to Detect Aquatic Invasive Species and Pathogens
Implementing FAIR practices: Storing and displaying eDNA data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
Establishing standards and integrating environmental DNA (eDNA) data into the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Sampling Improves Occurrence and Detection Estimates of Invasive Burmese Pythons and Other Constrictor Snakes in Florida
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program
Efficacy of eDNA as an Early Detection and Rapid Response Indicator for Burmese Pythons in the Northern Greater Everglades Ecosystem
Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database and Website (NAS)
Using Environmental DNA for Burmese Python Detection Probabilities and Range-Delimitation in Southern Florida
USGS and Department of the Interior partners have added a new, advanced capability to the early detection and rapid response tool set – the integration of environmental DNA and sighting data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database.
The Science Issue and Relevance
Environmental DNA (eDNA), genetic material that living organisms leave behind in the water, soil, or air as they move through, provides an opportunity to perform high sensitivity monitoring for hard-to-detect, or cryptic, invasive species. This project involves including eDNA data in the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database, which currently maps and displays the distribution of non-native aquatic species detected through visual identification or physical capture. This expanded utility of the NAS database provides scientists a centralized location for sharing their invasive species eDNA data, and in the process, provides researchers and managers expanded access to the information they may need for optimizing their study design and/or management decisions. The development of conservative reporting standards is necessary before researchers are able to submit eDNA detection data for display on the public database. Working with the invasive species and eDNA community (researchers, managers, end-users), we are identifying these standards and have created an application process to ensure the standards and best practices are used to produce the data displayed.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue
This project will result in the production of an online guidance document, an application, and data submission forms, accessed via the NAS database website. The guidance document will detail the application process to have eDNA data admitted to the database and inform an applicant about the subsequent data submission process. The application consists of a series of questions which require the applicant to describe their adherence to the use of standards, controls, and best practices during the production of their eDNA datasets. To produce the application, a detailed assessment of existing standards for the publication of eDNA data was reviewed. From this, the proposed recommendations for the minimum information for publication of eDNA experimental data were determined. We engaged stakeholders and have sought feedback, both from selected individuals who were asked to review the materials, as well as broader groups who provided comments via a survey. The application and the data submission forms will be hosted on the website.
Future Steps
The eDNA web viewer, implemented through the NAS database structure, will provide long-term access to the data uploaded by researchers, just as it has done with data from visual observations of non-native aquatic species. The information displayed on the NAS website is available for viewing by any public entity without cost. As time allows, and in concert with our network, we will discuss the existing or future options for management of entire datasets in a long-term central source, possibly facilitated through a collaborative effort within the group. Our goal is to organize a core group of constituents who will continue to update methods for eDNA reporting as the field continues to evolve.