Temporal patterns in environmental DNA align with lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) spawning activity

Area of Science:

• Aquatic ecology
• Conservation genetics
• Environmental monitoring

Background:

• Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) populations are threatened by overfishing and habitat loss.
• Traditional monitoring methods for spawning grounds are invasive and labor-intensive.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a promising non-invasive alternative for species monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of eDNA analysis for monitoring lake sturgeon presence at spawning sites.
• To assess the temporal variation in lake sturgeon eDNA concentrations over a spawning season.
• To compare eDNA monitoring with traditional methods and drone surveys.

Main Methods:

• Collected water samples from a known lake sturgeon spawning site between 2022 and 2024.
• Quantified lake sturgeon eDNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
• Complemented eDNA sampling with aerial drone surveys in 2024.

Main Results:

• Temporal trends in lake sturgeon eDNA concentrations correlated with the known spawning timing and progression.
• eDNA data were consistent with observations from aerial drone surveys.
• eDNA analysis provided an indirect indicator of lake sturgeon reproductive activity.

Conclusions:

• eDNA analysis is a viable, non-invasive tool for monitoring lake sturgeon spawning.
• Integrating eDNA monitoring can enhance the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
• eDNA monitoring can inform the management of critical lake sturgeon spawning habitats.