We tested the sensitivity of a portable, field-based environmental DNA (eDNA) platform relative to widely used lab-based eDNA approaches for detecting invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) in eight lakes on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Raw data reported in this dataset report detect/non-detect data for technical replicates of water samples.

The dataset contains qualitative detection and quantitative results of Esox Lucius DNA in environmental (e)DNA water samples collected from Miller Creek, Alaska, and analyzed with quantitative PCR.The dataset contains qualitative detection and quantitative results of Esox Lucius DNA in environmental (e)DNA water samples collected from Miller Creek, Alaska, and analyzed with quantitative PCR.

The dataset contains qualitative detection and quantitative results of Esox Lucius DNA in environmental (e)DNA water samples collected from Miller Creek, Alaska, and analyzed with quantitative PCR.The dataset contains qualitative detection and quantitative results of Esox Lucius DNA in environmental (e)DNA water samples collected from Miller Creek, Alaska, and analyzed with quantitative PCR.

This release provides results of an environmental DNA (eDNA) study of fish identified in seven Alaskan lakes, three streams, and a positive control. Samples included replicates for multiple sampling dates and locations. The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/). Highly conserved primers which could differentiate species of interest were developed for three portions of mtDNA genes (12S, 16S and COI).

This release provides results of an environmental DNA (eDNA) study of fish identified in seven Alaskan lakes, three streams, and a positive control. Samples included replicates for multiple sampling dates and locations. The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/). Highly conserved primers which could differentiate species of interest were developed for three portions of mtDNA genes (12S, 16S and COI).

This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Elodea canadensis and E. nuttallii in freshwater systems of Alaska from environmental samples. Highly conserved primers which can differentiate these species of interest were developed for four portions of Elodea mtDNA genes (ITS1-5.8S, atpB-rbcL, and two variations of trnL-trnF). The reference sequences and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data from NCBI GenBank (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/).

This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Elodea canadensis and E. nuttallii in freshwater systems of Alaska from environmental samples. Highly conserved primers which can differentiate these species of interest were developed for four portions of Elodea mtDNA genes (ITS1-5.8S, atpB-rbcL, and two variations of trnL-trnF). The reference sequences and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data from NCBI GenBank (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/).

This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Labyrinthula, Phytophthora, and Halophytophthora of known pathogenic and non-pathogenic [to eelgrass (Zostera marina)] strains from eDNA samples. eDNA samples included water, sediment, and eelgrass from Notsuke Wan (Cove) Japan, Safety Sound, Izembek Lagoon, Port Moller, Chignik Lagoon, and Frederick Sound, Alaska and cloacal swabs from waterfowl hunted near Cold Bay Alaska. Replicate samples and multiple sampling dates of the same location were included. Highly conserved primers which could differentiate species of interest were developed for four portions of mtDNA genes (5.8S, 18S, ITS, and COI). The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/

This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and NCBI BioProject accession numbers for sequence information of this amplicon-based study targeting Labyrinthula, Phytophthora, and Halophytophthora of known pathogenic and non-pathogenic [to eelgrass (Zostera marina)] strains from eDNA samples. eDNA samples included water, sediment, and eelgrass from Notsuke Wan (Cove) Japan, Safety Sound, Izembek Lagoon, Port Moller, Chignik Lagoon, and Frederick Sound, Alaska and cloacal swabs from waterfowl hunted near Cold Bay Alaska. Replicate samples and multiple sampling dates of the same location were included. Highly conserved primers which could differentiate species of interest were developed for four portions of mtDNA genes (5.8S, 18S, ITS, and COI). The reference list and conserved primer sets to identify species present were developed using publicly available data https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/

Detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become a commonly used surveillance method for threatened or invasive vertebrates in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. However, use of eDNA methodologies for the detection of aquatic invertebrates (e.g., crayfish and insects) has been limited. Environmental DNA protocols can be especially useful for endangered invertebrates such as the Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) where conservation efforts have been greatly hindered by the training, time, overall costs, and environmental impacts associated with conducting surveys in the calcareous fens occupied by this species. An essential step in developing such a protocol is to evaluate the dynamics of eDNA concentration under controlled and field conditions. In this study we examined the persistence and accumulation of eDNA from captive S. hineana larvae in experimental mesocosms at temperatures (5.0°C and 16.0°C) that reflect seasonal variation in their natural habitat, and we evaluated the usefulness of eDNA protocols for studying the distribution and abundance of invertebrates by assessing patterns of eDNA distribution for the Hine’s emerald dragonfly and its symbiont the devil crayfish, (Cambarus [=Lacunicambarus] diogenes) in the field over several months. In mesocosms, S. hineana eDNA persisted longer at 5.0°C but accumulated more readily at 16.0°C. In the field, life-history events affected seasonal variations in eDNA more significantly and consistently than temperature for both species. These data can be used to aid in conservation efforts for S. hineana and similar aquatic invertebrates.