Estimating fish population abundance by integrating quantitative data on environmental DNA and hydrodynamic modelling

• DOI: 10.1111/mec.15530
• Publication Date: 2020-07-01T05:21:04Z
• Authors: Keiichi Fukaya; Hiroaki Murakami; Seokjin Yoon; Kenji Minami; Yutaka Osada; Satoshi Yamamoto; Reiji Masuda; Akihide Kasai; Kazushi Miyashita; Toshifumi Minamoto; Michio Kondoh
• Keywords: Environmental DNA

Molecular analysis of DNA left in the environment, known as environmental (eDNA), has proven to be a powerful and cost-effective approach infer occurrence species. Nonetheless, relating measurements eDNA concentration population abundance remains difficult because detailed knowledge on processes that govern spatial temporal distribution should integrated reconstruct underlying target In this study, we propose general framework estimation for aquatic systems basis spatially replicated eDNA. The proposed method explicitly accounts production, transport degradation by utilizing numerical hydrodynamic models can simulate concentrations within an area. It turns out that, under certain assumptions, estimated via Bayesian inference generalized linear model. Application Japanese jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) Maizuru Bay revealed gives estimate comparable quantitative echo sounder method. Furthermore, successfully identified source exogenous input (a fish market), which may render application interpret unless its effect is taken into account. These findings indicate ability reliably reflect macroorganisms; when "ecology eDNA" adequately accounted for, quantified concentration.