Endangered European sturgeon detection through non-amplified eDNA sequencing

Abstract

The European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) is critically endangered and no natural breeding population exists. Currently, a reintroduction program is running. We are developing environmental DNA (eDNA) based monitoring to track the reintroduction of the European sturgeon in the rivers and estuaries in the Netherlands. Supported by the ORG.one program, we sequenced the full genome of A. sturio. Initial experiments with eDNA from the tank, housing the sturgeon, demonstrated that this genome data enables direct, unamplified detection of sturgeon eDNA. Ultimately, we will create a biodiversity monitoring system based on eDNA sampling and real-time analyses, including in situ eDNA sequencing.