Development of an eDNA assay for invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) and implementation in a citizen science monitoring program

Principal Investigator

P. Sean McDonald, University of Washington, Program on the Environment

Co-Principal Investigators

Sarah Brown, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Emily Grason, Washington Sea Grant

Ryan Kelly, University of Washington, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs

Todd Seamons, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Project

Researchers refined an existing environmental DNA (eDNA) assay tool to detect the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) from water samples. They also developed a model that integrates information from both green crab trapping data and eDNA survey data to jointly estimate local green crab density. The researchers incorporated the model and feedback from green crab managers into a web tool that enables users to explore model outputs, simulate management scenarios, and interpret trapping results. eDNA monitoring expands the toolbox of early detection and monitoring efforts and engages community members in invasive species management.