Meredith L. Bartron Kurt Schilling Debbie Lee Edmond Russo Trudy Estes Richard Fischer Beth Fleming Michael P. Guilfoyle Jack Killgore Richard Lance Edward Perkins Martin Schultz David Smith Jon J. Amberg Duane Chapman Mark P. Gaikowski Katy E. Klymus Catherine A. Richter Kelly Baerwaldt 2015 The Environmental DNA Calibration Study (ECALS) is a multi-year study to improve the understanding and interpretation of the detection of Asian carp DNA in environmental samples (eDNA) used in early detection monitoring. eDNA surveillance programs seek to detect the presence of genetic material (DNA in cells sloughed off in slime, feces, urine, etc.) extracted from water samples; the detection of genetic material is linked to the possible presence of Asian carp. The study involves collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ECALS addresses three major Action Items from the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee (ACRCC) Asian Carp Control Strategy Framework, of which results to date are presented below. Initial ECALS efforts focused on eDNA vectors whereas marker development and calibration experiments received greater attention in 2013. application/pdf en U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service & Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee Environmental DNA calibration study interim technical review report December 2014 reports