A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine is one of the scientific devices used to analyze eDNA samples
Adam Sepulveda, Ph.D.
My research program focuses on aquatic invasive species risk assessment, early detection, and management in the West. I coordinate the Rapid Environmental DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) project associated with the U.S. Department of the Interior National Early Detection Rapid Response program.
Research Interests
Adam Sepulveda’s research program provides science to inform aquatic invasive species management. Focal elements of his research program include:
- Research to operations of autonomous environmental (e)DNA samplers to improve detection rates
- Development of standardized procedures and statistical approaches to ensure confidence in eDNA results
- Decision support and communication tools to facilitate the uptake of eDNA results by decision-makers
Science and Products
eDNA Communication Strategies- Resource Manager's eDNA Toolbox
When conducting eDNA studies, communication with both internal and external entities is crucial. Within this section, we highlight templates for communicating results, detection decision points, and detection criteria. You will also find information on false negatives, false positives, and the roles and responsibilities involved in eDNA studies.
READI-Net: Providing Tools for the Early Detection and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species
The USGS has developed the Rapid environmental (e)DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) to accelerate the implementation of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis as a best practice for the early detection of aquatic biological threats. READI-Net provides tools and a strategy to collect and deliver early detection data for natural resource managers and public health protection...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments
Environmental DNA (eDNA): Combining Technology and Biology to Detect Aquatic Invasive Species and Pathogens
Using DNA, USGS researchers are able to detect the presence of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems. The DNA they use is literally floating around in the environment and is called environmental DNA (eDNA) and is a powerful tool for the early detection of invasive species and pathogens, which can cause serious ecological and economic damage. USGS researchers are also combining the use of eDNA...
Using Robots in the River: Biosurveillance at USGS streamgages
For more than a decade, researchers around the world have shown that sampling a water body and analyzing for DNA (a method known as eDNA) is an effective method to detect an organism in the water. The challenge is that finding organisms that are not very abundant requires a lot of samples to locate this needle in a haystack. Enter the "lab in a can", the water quality sampling and processing robot...
High-Resolution, Interagency Biosurveillance of Threatened Surface Waters in the United States
Advances in information technology now provide large volume, high-frequency data collection which may improve real-time biosurveillance and forecasting. But, big data streams present challenges for data management and timely analysis. As a first step in creating a data science pipeline for translating large datasets into meaningful interpretations, we created a cloud-hosted PostgreSQL database tha
Predicting Climate-Induced Expansions of Invasive Fish in the Pacific Northwest: Implications for Climate Adaptation of Native Salmon and Trout
The headwaters of the Columbia River Basin in the Northern Rocky Mountains region is widely recognized as a stronghold for native fish, containing some of the last remaining connected cold-water habitats for species such as the threatened bull trout and native westslope cutthroat trout. However, as temperatures rise, non-native invasive fish species could be poised to prosper in the region as cond
Western Waters Invasive Species and Disease Research Program
Researchers at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center's Western Waters Invasive Species and Disease Research Program work extensively with federal, state, tribal, regional, and local partners to deliver science to improve early detection and prevention of invasive species and disease; understand complex interactions that promote invasive species and disease, and their impacts (and associated...
Developing a mechanistic understanding between recent climate patterns and Aquatic Vital Signs in the Greater Yellowstone Network
The National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program was established to provide park managers with a broad understanding of the status of park resources using the best available science. This program acknowledges that NPS managers are confronted with complex challenges associated with the management of dynamic landscapes responding to multiple, interacting drivers of change. To provide tools...
American bullfrog suppression in the Yellowstone River floodplain
The American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) has recently invaded backwater and side-channel habitats of the Yellowstone River, near Billings, Montana. In other regions, bullfrog invasions have been linked to numerous amphibian declines (e.g., Adams and Pearl 2007). Immediate management actions may be able to suppress or eradicate localized populations of bullfrogs because they are present at low...
Conservation of native salmonids in South-Central Alaska
The proliferation of introduced northern pike in Southcentral Alaska is an urgent fishery management concern because pike are voracious predators that prey heavily on juvenile salmonids. Eradication of pike is not possible in connected freshwater networks, so managers must develop control methods that reduce pike populations to less destructive numbers. We are using field and bioenergetics...
An investigation of aquatic invasive species in pristine sites in the Greater Yellowstone Area
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are aquatic organisms that move into ecosystems beyond their natural, historic range and cause severe and irreversible damage to the habitats they invade. Most AIS arrive as a direct result of human activity, such as boating and angling. The threat of AIS introduction is especially high in the Greater Yellowstone Area, as humans from all over the world come to see...
PCR machine under hood
A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine is one of the scientific devices used to analyze eDNA samples
eDNA autosampler deployed on Cherry Creek, MT
eDNA autosampler is programmed to collect and filter water samples for eDNA analysis every 3 hours on Cherry Creek, MT
eDNA autosampler is programmed to collect and filter water samples for eDNA analysis every 3 hours on Cherry Creek, MT
READI-Net infographic_6 polygon
The 6 components that comprise READI-Net are each represented by an interlocking hexagon, illustrating the multi-dimensional aspect of the project including: Autonomous eDNA samplers, Broad spectrum surveillance, Where & when to sample, Lab analysis standards, Information framework, and Communication.
The 6 components that comprise READI-Net are each represented by an interlocking hexagon, illustrating the multi-dimensional aspect of the project including: Autonomous eDNA samplers, Broad spectrum surveillance, Where & when to sample, Lab analysis standards, Information framework, and Communication.
Mostly hidden eDNA sampler along Montana stream
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among the vegetation along a stream on the Flying D Ranch in Montana.
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among the vegetation along a stream on the Flying D Ranch in Montana.
Mostly hidden eDNA sampler along Montana stream—arrow shows sampler.
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among streamside vegetation at the Flying D Ranch in Montana. An arrow is superimposed on the image to point out the eDNA sampler.
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among streamside vegetation at the Flying D Ranch in Montana. An arrow is superimposed on the image to point out the eDNA sampler.
American Bullfrog
An American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.
An American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.
Surveying Bullfrogs
USGS biologists surveying for bullfrogs at Two Moon Park, Billings, MT.
USGS biologists surveying for bullfrogs at Two Moon Park, Billings, MT.
Invasive Northern Pike Habitat
Aerial view of backwater habitat for invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) off of Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
Aerial view of backwater habitat for invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) off of Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
Northern Pike
An Alaska Fish and Game technician poses with an invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) taken from Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
An Alaska Fish and Game technician poses with an invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) taken from Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
American Bullfrog
A biologist examines an American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.
A biologist examines an American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.
Science and Products
eDNA Communication Strategies- Resource Manager's eDNA Toolbox
When conducting eDNA studies, communication with both internal and external entities is crucial. Within this section, we highlight templates for communicating results, detection decision points, and detection criteria. You will also find information on false negatives, false positives, and the roles and responsibilities involved in eDNA studies.
READI-Net: Providing Tools for the Early Detection and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species
The USGS has developed the Rapid environmental (e)DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) to accelerate the implementation of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis as a best practice for the early detection of aquatic biological threats. READI-Net provides tools and a strategy to collect and deliver early detection data for natural resource managers and public health protection...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, Pacific Northwest Environmental DNA Laboratory, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments
Environmental DNA (eDNA): Combining Technology and Biology to Detect Aquatic Invasive Species and Pathogens
Using DNA, USGS researchers are able to detect the presence of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems. The DNA they use is literally floating around in the environment and is called environmental DNA (eDNA) and is a powerful tool for the early detection of invasive species and pathogens, which can cause serious ecological and economic damage. USGS researchers are also combining the use of eDNA...
Using Robots in the River: Biosurveillance at USGS streamgages
For more than a decade, researchers around the world have shown that sampling a water body and analyzing for DNA (a method known as eDNA) is an effective method to detect an organism in the water. The challenge is that finding organisms that are not very abundant requires a lot of samples to locate this needle in a haystack. Enter the "lab in a can", the water quality sampling and processing robot...
High-Resolution, Interagency Biosurveillance of Threatened Surface Waters in the United States
Advances in information technology now provide large volume, high-frequency data collection which may improve real-time biosurveillance and forecasting. But, big data streams present challenges for data management and timely analysis. As a first step in creating a data science pipeline for translating large datasets into meaningful interpretations, we created a cloud-hosted PostgreSQL database tha
Predicting Climate-Induced Expansions of Invasive Fish in the Pacific Northwest: Implications for Climate Adaptation of Native Salmon and Trout
The headwaters of the Columbia River Basin in the Northern Rocky Mountains region is widely recognized as a stronghold for native fish, containing some of the last remaining connected cold-water habitats for species such as the threatened bull trout and native westslope cutthroat trout. However, as temperatures rise, non-native invasive fish species could be poised to prosper in the region as cond
Western Waters Invasive Species and Disease Research Program
Researchers at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center's Western Waters Invasive Species and Disease Research Program work extensively with federal, state, tribal, regional, and local partners to deliver science to improve early detection and prevention of invasive species and disease; understand complex interactions that promote invasive species and disease, and their impacts (and associated...
Developing a mechanistic understanding between recent climate patterns and Aquatic Vital Signs in the Greater Yellowstone Network
The National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program was established to provide park managers with a broad understanding of the status of park resources using the best available science. This program acknowledges that NPS managers are confronted with complex challenges associated with the management of dynamic landscapes responding to multiple, interacting drivers of change. To provide tools...
American bullfrog suppression in the Yellowstone River floodplain
The American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) has recently invaded backwater and side-channel habitats of the Yellowstone River, near Billings, Montana. In other regions, bullfrog invasions have been linked to numerous amphibian declines (e.g., Adams and Pearl 2007). Immediate management actions may be able to suppress or eradicate localized populations of bullfrogs because they are present at low...
Conservation of native salmonids in South-Central Alaska
The proliferation of introduced northern pike in Southcentral Alaska is an urgent fishery management concern because pike are voracious predators that prey heavily on juvenile salmonids. Eradication of pike is not possible in connected freshwater networks, so managers must develop control methods that reduce pike populations to less destructive numbers. We are using field and bioenergetics...
An investigation of aquatic invasive species in pristine sites in the Greater Yellowstone Area
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are aquatic organisms that move into ecosystems beyond their natural, historic range and cause severe and irreversible damage to the habitats they invade. Most AIS arrive as a direct result of human activity, such as boating and angling. The threat of AIS introduction is especially high in the Greater Yellowstone Area, as humans from all over the world come to see...
PCR machine under hood
A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine is one of the scientific devices used to analyze eDNA samples
A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine is one of the scientific devices used to analyze eDNA samples
eDNA autosampler deployed on Cherry Creek, MT
eDNA autosampler is programmed to collect and filter water samples for eDNA analysis every 3 hours on Cherry Creek, MT
eDNA autosampler is programmed to collect and filter water samples for eDNA analysis every 3 hours on Cherry Creek, MT
READI-Net infographic_6 polygon
The 6 components that comprise READI-Net are each represented by an interlocking hexagon, illustrating the multi-dimensional aspect of the project including: Autonomous eDNA samplers, Broad spectrum surveillance, Where & when to sample, Lab analysis standards, Information framework, and Communication.
The 6 components that comprise READI-Net are each represented by an interlocking hexagon, illustrating the multi-dimensional aspect of the project including: Autonomous eDNA samplers, Broad spectrum surveillance, Where & when to sample, Lab analysis standards, Information framework, and Communication.
Mostly hidden eDNA sampler along Montana stream
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among the vegetation along a stream on the Flying D Ranch in Montana.
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among the vegetation along a stream on the Flying D Ranch in Montana.
Mostly hidden eDNA sampler along Montana stream—arrow shows sampler.
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among streamside vegetation at the Flying D Ranch in Montana. An arrow is superimposed on the image to point out the eDNA sampler.
An environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler discretely placed among streamside vegetation at the Flying D Ranch in Montana. An arrow is superimposed on the image to point out the eDNA sampler.
American Bullfrog
An American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.
An American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.
Surveying Bullfrogs
USGS biologists surveying for bullfrogs at Two Moon Park, Billings, MT.
USGS biologists surveying for bullfrogs at Two Moon Park, Billings, MT.
Invasive Northern Pike Habitat
Aerial view of backwater habitat for invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) off of Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
Aerial view of backwater habitat for invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) off of Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
Northern Pike
An Alaska Fish and Game technician poses with an invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) taken from Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
An Alaska Fish and Game technician poses with an invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) taken from Alexander Creek in the Susitna Basin of south-central Alaska.
American Bullfrog
A biologist examines an American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.
A biologist examines an American bullfrog along the Yellowstone River near Billings, MT.