Date and Time: Feb 10, 2016  12 pm Mountain / 11 am Pacific
Presenter: Mike Young, USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station
Co-authors: Dabn Isaak, Kevin McKelvey, Michael Schwartz, Kellie Carim, Wade Fredenberg, Taylor Wilcox, Matt Groce, Dave Nagel, Dona Horan, and Sherry Wollrab

Interest in using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to monitor aquatic species is exploding. This technique makes it possible to conduct rapid and cost-effective broad-scale species assessment and monitoring, particularly when informed by robust species distribution models. Here, we provide preliminary results from an effort to identify habitats occupied by juvenile bull trout in all 4th-code basins constituting their historical U.S. range.

We developed a sampling template based on 1) the probability of habitat occupancy by juvenile bull trout from the Climate Shield model and 2) simulated and empirically tested probabilities of eDNA-based detection of stream-dwelling salmonids. A cadre of state, tribal, federal, and NGO biologists collected the samples, supported by equipment and analyses provided by the National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation. Those analyses confirmed many expectations and refuted others about habitat occupancy by bull trout, and are forming the basis for immediate action by managers. The data also constitute the foundation for building better occupancy models for juvenile bull trout, which will be fundamental to understanding where this species will persist during the 21st century.

About the presenter:  Michael Young is a research fisheries biologist with the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Air, Water, and Aquatic Environments Program and National Genomics Center for Wildlife and Fish Conservation. His research focuses on the ecology, evolution, and conservation of freshwater species in western North America.

Webinar space is limited to 100 people. If you miss the webinar, a recording will be available on the Great Northern LCC webinar webpage and YouTube Channel.