What lives in the rivers near you? Why scientists want you to know
Scientists in Ontario are utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and electrofishing to catalog freshwater biodiversity in local rivers. These methods are revealing a higher number of aquatic species than traditional survey techniques, helping researchers track the impact of invasive species and habitat loss.
Why it matters
Understanding local biodiversity is essential for effective conservation efforts and protecting freshwater ecosystems from environmental degradation.
The stunned fish they scooped up included spiky mottled sculpins, blacknose dace with striking red racing stripes and chunky creek chub — residents of the largely hidden freshwater world in and around Ontario's towns and cities.
Scientists are using techniques such as electrofishing and environmental DNA sampling to uncover that biodiversity. They are finding far more species than traditional methods have detected, even as many are disappearing or being replaced by invasive species.
Scientists say protecting creatures from dace and mayfly nymphs to mussels starts with knowing what is there.
But identifying and measuring freshwater life is challenging.
Physid pond snail. (Anthony Ricciardi/McGill University) Uncovering little creatures — and bigger ones A recent study published by University of Guelph biologist Mehrdad Hajibabaei and his team searched for environmental DNA (eDNA) in water from 18 Ontario rivers.
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