1. NYC/NJ Fish eDNA Project
Mapping fish with environmental DNA (eDNA)
Monitoring fish distribution and abundance
Detecting invasive, endangered species
Potentially faster, cheaper, gentler than traditional methods
Rockefeller
University
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Monmouth
University
Monmouth University and Rockefeller University Marine Research Initiative (MURU)
RU Summer Science Research Program, RU Program for the Human Environment

2. City Fish: NYC Central Park eDNA survey
Iman Nassef
Alden Liang
*sampling sites summer 2015

3. A dozen species in ¼ cup of water
Analyze 6.33 ng DNA (roughly 60 mL H2O); 7 x 10^4 reads
Detected 7 species of fish, also mammals, birds
Fish
Mammals, birds
The Loch
(Note lower scale)
Number of reads
Fish images NYS DEC

4. eDNA detected most species found by traditional methods, plus some not found
vs. Electrofishing
vs. Seining
pumpkinseed
Yellow perch
banded killifish
bluegill
largemouth bass
Green sunfish
golden shiner
brown bullhead 6 1 2
black crappie 2 5
NYSDEC Harlem Meer Surveys,
2013 Bioblitz, Harlem Meer, The Pool

5. eDNA detected a minnow usually overlooked
Image NYS DEC
Banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus)
Range: northeastern US
Adult size: cm
Last reported in 2003 Central Park Bioblitz, location not given
Not reported in 2013 Bioblitz, electrofishing surveys

6. People, Partners, Sponsors
MURU Marine Research Initiative
A collaboration between:
Jeanne Garbarino
LABORATORY OF GENETICALLY ENCODED SMALL MOLECULES
Zachary Charop-Powers
Howard Rosenbaum