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 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.

This tabular dataset contains information pertaining to the presence or absence of Elodea at randomly selected sites within the littoral zone of prioritized lakes within the Anchorage, Alaska municipality area. Data were acquired through the use of ESRI's FieldMaps application. Visual observations and rake throws within a 10 meter by 10 meter area were used to evaluate the presence of Elodea following the sampling protocol outlined in "Fulkerson, J. (2023). Standard Operating Procedure for Elodea Detection in Alaska Lakes. Alaska Center for Conservation Science".

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.

We conducted a study to test the factors related to detectability of two invasive aquatic plants (Egeria densa and Myriophyllym spicatum) using environmental DNA (eDNA), over extended periods of time, and specifically examined how plant growth stage and abundance relates to eDNA detection in semi-natural and natural conditions. This dataset is from sampling performed in summer of 2018 in lakes with varying species abundances, and a subset of lakes were re-sampled to test temporal variability in detection.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding may have utility in biodiversity surveys of marine environments, particularly for small, rare, or cryptic taxa that are more difficult to study using traditional methods (e.g., trawling and visual surveys). For this study, we used an eDNA metabarcoding approach to characterize biodiversity in the above-seafloor water column across three West Coast-based research cruises, focusing on understudied deep sea habitats (~800-3200 m). Approximately 100 eDNA seawater samples were collected during three research expeditions using Niskin bottles that were either mounted on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs, most samples) or using a conductivity/temperature/depth (CTD) rosette with niskin bottles. The research expeditions targeted deep seafloor habitats in the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) of potential biological/geological interest from three regions: Northern California, plus Northern and Southern Cascadia. Samples then underwent DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing, as described in the methods. Taxonomy was assigned using the bioinformatic procedures described in the methods.

Tabular dataset containing the lake names, measures, coordinates, sampling schedule, and priority ranking of waterbodies identified for invasive species sampling within the Anchorage, Alaska municipality. For additional information, please see the Draft Aquatic Invasive Species Survey and Detection Plan for Municipality of Anchorage Waterbodies: FWS Guidelines to Collaborative Early Detection in Alaska’s Largest City.