Detection of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Winnipeg River using environmental DNA (eDNA)
| dc.contributor.author | Anderson, Morgan | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Roth, James (Biological Sciences) | |
| dc.contributor.examiningcommittee | Jeffries, Ken (Biological Sciences) | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Anderson, Gary | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Docker, Margaret | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-04-28T16:38:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-04-28T16:38:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-12-09 | |
| dc.date.submitted | 2025-03-26T13:41:39Z | en_US |
| dc.date.submitted | 2025-04-25T15:18:22Z | en_US |
| dc.degree.discipline | Biological Sciences | |
| dc.degree.level | Master of Science (M.Sc.) | |
| dc.description.abstract | Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), a species of ecological and cultural significance in North America, face population declines due to habitat loss, overharvesting, and environmental changes. Effective monitoring tools are essential for conserving and managing their populations. This thesis explores the utility of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a non-invasive tool for detecting the presence and absence of Lake Sturgeon in the Winnipeg River system and its potential to identify spawning events. The spatial and temporal distribution of Lake Sturgeon was examined using mitochondrial (Cyt-b) eDNA, revealing seasonal patterns that aligned with previously documented behaviours, such as spawning, foraging, and overwintering. Fifteen sites were sampled once a month from May through to October in both 2021 and 2022. A total of 55/78 samples (70.5%) amplified Lake Sturgeon DNA in 2021 and 45/65 samples (69.2%) in 2022. The relative location of the collection site to the hydroelectric generating stations was found to be a significant influence on the presence of eDNA. The application of nuclear and mitochondrial eDNA for detecting Lake Sturgeon spawning events using a newly developed ITS-1 assay was found to be successful in a field setting. The nuclear assay only amplified Lake Sturgeon DNA in 14/57 samples (24.6%), all during the suspected spawning period when compared to ideal spawning conditions, successfully detecting the presence of reproductive adults during peak spawning periods. The eDNA results corresponded closely with conventional field observations, including egg deposition and adult sampling. The assay is sturgeon-specific but not species-specific, suggesting its broader applicability for monitoring other North American sturgeon species, though further validation across diverse environmental contexts is required. The findings of this research underscore the versatility and promise of eDNA as a non-invasive tool for Lake Sturgeon conservation. By identifying critical habitats and reproductive events, eDNA provides an efficient and scalable approach to monitor sturgeon populations and inform targeted conservation strategies. This work lays a foundation for further research into refining eDNA techniques and integrating them into long-term monitoring programs to address ongoing challenges in freshwater species conservation. | |
| dc.description.note | May 2025 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1993/39049 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.subject | Conservation | |
| dc.subject | Spawning | |
| dc.subject | eDNA | |
| dc.subject | Genetics | |
| dc.subject | Lake Sturgeon | |
| dc.title | Detection of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Winnipeg River using environmental DNA (eDNA) | |
| local.subject.manitoba | yes | |
| project.funder.name | Manitoba Hydro |