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bioRxiv · 10.1101/498451

Environmental DNA metabarcoding as an effective and rapid tool for fish monitoring in canals

McDevitt, A. D.·Guimaraes Sales, N.·Browett, S. S.·Sparnenn, A.·Mariani, S.·Wangensteen, O. S.·Coscia, I.·Benvenuto, C.
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Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has revolutionized biomonitoring of aquatic habitats. Man-made canal systems are among the least-studied environments in terms of biodiversity in Britain. Here we focus on a case study along an English canal comparing eDNA metabarcoding with two types of electrofishing techniques (wade-and-reach and boom-boat). In addition to corroborating data obtained by electrofishing, eDNA provided a wider snapshot of fish assemblages. Given the semi-lotic nature of canals, we encourage the use of eDNA as a fast and cost-effective tool to detect and monitor whole fish communities.

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McDevitt, A. D., Guimaraes Sales, N., Browett, S. S., Sparnenn, A., Mariani, S., Wangensteen, O. S., Coscia, I., Benvenuto, C.. 2018-12-18. Environmental DNA metabarcoding as an effective and rapid tool for fish monitoring in canals. https://doi.org/10.1101/498451

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