DNA used to track fish in Hudson and East rivers – Asbury Park Press – Asbury Park Press

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Map shows the two sites where samples were taken in the DNA fish hstudy(Photo: Courtesy of the Rockefeller University/Monmouth University)

For the first time, scientists have recorded a spring fish migration by conducting DNA tests on water samples.

The work was a collaboration ofRockefeller University and the Urban Coast Institute at Monmouth University.

According to the study's report, environmental DNA called eDNA,collectedfrom one-litersamples drawn weekly from New York's East and Hudson rivers over six months last year, revealed the presence or absence of several key fish species passing through the water on each test day.

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The bits of DNA recovered found the presence of menhaden, herring species, black sea bass, striped bass, tautog (blackfish), mummichog, bay anchovy, bluefish, oyster toadfish, Atlantic silverside, and conger eel. In total it found the presence of 42species.

Using eDNAisa way to monitor fish migrations that involves a fraction of the effort and cost of trawling, all without harming the fish, the study said.

It also said itcan be used toestimate the abundance and distribution of diverse fish species and other forms of marine life in the dark waters of rivers, lakes, and seas.

It has some kinks, for example, some DNA could not be exactlydistinguished, notably some in the herring family,

The testsalsoturned up DNA of fish species that are not found in New York waters but are commonly eaten by New Yorkers, such as tilapia, red snapper, and salmon.

It lead the researchers to conclude of those species DNA entered via the wastewater system.

Dan Radel: 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com

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DNA used to track fish in Hudson and East rivers - Asbury Park Press - Asbury Park Press