Using environmental DNA (eDNA) in a study on fish species diversity in Svartån, Östergötland in Sweden proves the method to be promising in monitoring programs of rare, elusive and invasive species. This particular stream is regarded to have a high species diversity. Sampled eDNA revealed presence of 21 fish species, another 4-5 species are expected to be identified in further analysis. Among the identified species the invasive Silver carp and three endangered species; Chub, European Eel and Trout were found. These endangered species are of special interest to Östergötland county government since their distribution are monitored and effects of anthropogenic barriers are analyzed.
During 2017 AquaBiota has performed seven different aquatic studies using eDNA, these are expected to be reported in early 2018. The results of these studies conform in eDNA as an appropriate tool to detect species diversity in lakes and streams.
