Valerie Langlois, Morgan Botrel, Grace Fedirchuk, Lindsay Trottier, Lars Iversen, Vani Mohit, Ioannis Ragoussis, Marie-Eve Tousignant and Irene Gregory-Eaves
Tracking aquatic exotic invasive plants in Quebec lakes using data-intensive and eDNA tools
Invasive species have costly negative impacts on biodiversity and human activities. Early detection and eradication of invasive species is the most effective way of averting impacts. In the case of aquatic exotic invasive plants (AEIP), the MELCCFP has set up strategies to detect, identify and report observations with local and regional organizations. Here we present work intended to 1) map the current and future distribution of native and invasive macrophytes in lakes; 2) identify predictors of a focal invasive macrophyte, Myriophyllum spicatum, and the broader macrophyte community in lakes and 3) develop and apply environmental DNA tools for detecting macrophytes from water and sediment samples. Based on current known records of M. spicatum, we have developed a robust predictive distribution model of M. spicatum in Quebec. From this, we estimate a fourfold increase in the distribution of M. spicatum within the next 70-100 years. To trace and dampen the invasion of AEIP, we are currently developing cost-efficient monitoring tools based on eDNA detections. We surveyed macrophytes across 14 lakes in southern Quebec and collected water and sediment samples from which eDNA will be extracted and sequenced. These results will be compared with the observed macrophyte diversity. Overall, the project will enable Quebec groups and those further afield to better understand and monitor the aquatic plants found in their water bodies at a lower cost. Better monitoring of the presence of AEIPs will lead to an improved planning of actions to mitigate the spread and establishment of these plants.
