Comparing sample mediums for detecting invertebrates using eDNA on Prince Edward Island

Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a biodiversity monitoring strategy can be a time-saving and cost-saving resource when compared to morphometric identification. Aquatic survey programs are hesitant to adopt metabarcoding-based eDNA sequencing as an official monitoring strategy due to molecular method shortcomings, namely amplification bias, sequencing material costs and incomplete reference databases. This study aims to develop a protocol for metabarcoding coastal crustaceans on Prince Edward Island using novel COI gene metabarcoding primers designed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Next-generation sequencing results from sediment, water, and unsorted bulk tissue extracts are compared to small-bodied crustacean traps and known PEI crustacean assemblages. Sampling occurred in June and August of 2021, with two additional sample time points from the summers of 2016 and 2017 to provide preliminary spatiotemporal community comparisons. The goal of this study is to develop a protocol using eDNA that may expedite aquatic crustacean biodiversity surveys and supplement the techniques currently employed in the watersheds on Prince Edward Island.