The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), http://www.mbari.org/ESP/, is an autonomous biological sensing system that conducts in situ collection and molecular analysis of water samples and telemeters the results to shore in near real-time. The ESP can remotely detect and quantify abundance of target organisms using specific genetic probes. The probe generates a signal in the form of light, and an image of the array is taken using a camera and telemetered to shore for interpretation by experts. The intensity of the light signal is directly proportional to the abundance of the target that is present. Probes for 3 of the 4 primary HAB organisms in Puget Sound (i.e., Alexandrium, Heterosigma, and Pseudo-nitzschia) have already been used successfully on the ESP in the field. When deployed at key locations, the ESP can provide early warning of developing HABs and dramatically increase the opportunity for controlling the impacts of toxic blooms that can kill fish and contaminate shellfish. The goal of this project is to provide value added data to stakeholders in near real-time to improve early warning of HABs thereby reducing HAB-related economic losses and farmed-fish mortality and improving seafood safety. Another goal is to develop and test a method for use with the ESP to detect pathogenic Vibrio spp. (V. parahaemolyticus). Incorporating automated biosensor data into current risk and predictive models for the presence of HAB toxins and pathogens will result in a robust Health Early Warning System (HEWS). This work is designed to fill specific gaps in current risk and predictive models by providing rapid detection and reporting in real time for HABs and pathogens in conjunction with pertinent environmental data. The project will produce datasets describing the abundance for specific harmful algae and pathogenic bacteria at deployment locations in Puget Sound.

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

PURPOSE: Provide early detection of newly arrived Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and determine the spread, establishment and spatial distribution of existing AIS within marine waters of the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (sGSL), DFO Gulf Region boundaries (northern and eastern coastal shores of NB, Gulf shore of NS, and PEI shoreline). DESCRIPTION: DFO Science monitors for AIS in the Gulf Region. The data collected from DFO's biofouling monitoring program provides an overview of the distribution and abundance of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the Gulf Region. This information can be used by the general public, scientists and DFO managers. Monitoring program targeting aquatic invasive species (AIS). Native biofouling species are not included in this dataset. Botrylloides violaceus: Violet tunicate Botryllus schlosseri: Golden star tunicate Ciona intestinalis: Vase tunicate Styela clava: Clubbed tunicate Caprella mutica*: Japanese skeleton shrimp Membranipora membranacea: Coffin box bryozoan Carcinus maenas*: European green crab Codium fragile*: Oyster thief alga *indicates species that are not included as percent cover as they are not accurately captured by the sampling method, but are included as detections. Included here is a dataset of detection and percent cover data of AIS, as well as a monitoring station dataset. Environmental data collected, including from temperature loggers, are stored but not included here. PARAMETERS COLLECTED: Air and water temperature, salinity, depth, dissolved oxygen, weather conditions, list of biofouling AIS, percent cover of AIS on PVC plates. NOTES ON QUALITY CONTROL: Each sample and species is processed and identified in a standardized fashion using standardized DFO Science AIS protocols and taxonomic references. Data is manually entered into DFO Gulf Region's AIS Science biofouling database and randomly verified for accuracy. SAMPLING METHODS: Biofouling monitoring is conducted using PVC collector plates that are deployed in the water column approximately 1 meter below the sea surface in the spring of each year. Biofouling organisms settle on these plates which are collected in the fall of the same year. Abundances of AIS are given as percent plate cover. Physico-chemical data including temperature, conductivity, and depth as well as weather conditions are noted at each geo-referenced biofouling monitoring site during initial deployment and at time of retrieval. All biofouling organisms settled on the underside of the PVC plates are noted and percent cover of each AIS is estimated. USE LIMITATION: To ensure scientific integrity and appropriate use of the data, we would encourage you to contact the data custodian.

Accurate identification of various life history stages and prey items of marine fishes and invertebrates is central for understanding distribution,abundance, trophic ecology, and biodiversity of these species. Taxonomic approaches have been successfully applied to ichthyoplankton identification and diet analysis efforts for many years. Identification to the species level requires varying degrees of taxonomic expertise. and diagnostic characters for eggs or larvae in some species have not been elucidated. In the current dataset we assembled a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) database for which used standard laboratory protocols (restriction fragment length polymorphism and Sanger DNA sequencing) to accurately identify any life history stages of selected fish and shrimp species, with special emphasis on those species that have been difficult or impossible to identify by conventional taxonomic means. Fish and shrimp specimens were collected between 2010 - 2013. We developed a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)protocol, based upon mitochondrial DNA sequences to distinguish between Pacific halibut and Greenland halibut, but were unable to develop one to discriminate between Bering flounder and flathead sole. We used direct Sanger sequencing of mitochondrial DNA for species identification of 32 species of sculpin and four species of caridean shrimp. PCR products from fish and shrimp samples were sequenced using an ABI 3730 automated sequencer (Applied Biosystems, Inc). DNA sequences from museum voucher specimens were compared with entries in the public databases for those species. Sequences from voucher specimens have greater taxonomic authority for use in species identification than those without vouchers, adding greater confidence to species identifications based upon our data.

These data are related to surveys of eelgrass beds in Norma Bay, Izembek Lagoon, Alaska. The table provides eelgrass shoot lengths and density measurements from sampling in September 1987.