Overview

Early detection of biological threats, such as invasive species, increases the likelihood that control efforts will be successful and cost-effective. Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) sampling is an established method for the efficient and sensitive early detection of new biological threats. The Rapid eDNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) is a project designed with partners to provide a full suite of tools to maximize the power of eDNA sampling for detecting invasive species. The READI-Net suite of tools will include the availability of autonomous eDNA samplers, multispecies molecular DNA detection tools, strategic sample design, standardized and repeatable lab analysis, and a communication framework to deliver eDNA detection results to inform invasive species science, policy, and management. The READI-Net project is part of a national strategy to implement eDNA sampling for the early detection of and rapid response to biological threats.

READI-Net—Empowering eDNA for the Early Detection of Invasive Species

The U.S. Geological Survey’s READI-Net project supports the Department of the Interior’s National Early Detection and Rapid Response Framework, providing a coordinated strategy to proactively find and eradicate invasive species colonizing new habitats before they establish, spread, and cause harm. Specifically, READI-Net is designed to harness the power of autonomous eDNA samplers to detect traces of DNA in the environment, which can provide comprehensive and standardized monitoring of invasive species at scales not otherwise feasible. Based on research and designed with Federal, State, and Tribal input, READI-Net helps new or current users of eDNA technology tap into tested protocols and best practices to collect, analyze, and share eDNA data. The components of READI-Net can be accessed individually or as the full suite to provide practical and financial flexibility to meet stakeholders’ needs.

eDNA Enables Early Detection and Rapid Response

Environmental DNA methods capture and identify genetic traces from organisms, like fish and mussels, sight unseen. Even very small quantities of eDNA can be detected with this type of analysis, which provides early detection capabilities for invasive species. For example, even when organisms are at undetectable levels using visual sampling techniques such as trawl nets, eDNA analysis of a water sample can identify target species’ DNA with high confidence. Using eDNA, resource managers can detect invasive species early, thus increasing the chances that targeted management actions can be effective.

Effects of Biological Threats

Biological threats—such as invasive species, pathogens, and parasites—have the potential to harm the environment, economy, and human health (Roy and others, 2023). These disruptive species result in costly economic and ecological damage each year—including crop loss, damage to infrastructure, and wildlife and human disease transmission—and may lead to the extinction of native plants and animals. Aquatic invasive species can alter food webs and community structure, affect outdoor recreation, and have severe repercussions on fisheries and hydroelectric infrastructure (Smith and others, 2015). In the past 50 years, the global effect of aquatic invasive species alone has resulted in at least $423 billion in resource damage and management costs (Roy and others, 2023). Therefore, efforts to facilitate early detection of and rapid response to biological threats provide timely and cost-effective options for managing them.

The Components of READI-Net Deliver Complete eDNA Support

Who Are READI-Net Users?

Federal and State agencies, Tribes, municipalities, scientists, resource managers, and others who are interested in implementing or continuing eDNA surveillance of aquatic biological threats will benefit from READI-Net’s end-to-end support. The sensitivity, speed, and accuracy of eDNA, complemented by READI-Net autonomous samplers and standardized methods, provide an optimized methodology and a network of users for any entity interested in a cost-effective solution to the early detection of aquatic biological threats or post-treatment surveillance.