Full Project Title: Assessing the use of environmental DNA as an early detection method for aquatic invasive species

The Francis Marion National Forest spans the Cooper River, Santee River, and Bull’s Bay HUC8 watersheds. Points represent potential survey sites.

Project Identification Number: ERR01

This research focuses on detecting nonnative invasive species with their environmental DNA, which is found in the old skin cells, waste, and other materials that all creatures shed. The team will test whether eDNA methods developed by the Pacific Northwest Research Station are suitable for the South. 

The researchers will sample sites on the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina and use the data to develop occupancy models, assess differences between sampling methods, and develop a protocol for monitoring invasive species in aquatic habitats. 

The protocol will then be implemented on three additional national forests in the South, with the goal of developing a protocol that can be used in that region. 

The South is a global hotspot for freshwater biodiversity but is at an increased risk for aquatic biodiversity loss, in part due to invasive species. 

This research was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Ecosystem Restoration, Provision 40804.