Continuous eDNA Monitoring for Early Detection of Aquaculture Diseases

As aquaculture increases productivity to meet worldwide demand, it faces an increasing threat from the spread of disease, aquatic organisms, and pathogens. However, biosensor technologies have not kept pace with the need to monitor these ever-increasing threats. In particular, biomonitoring has been limited by the need for continuous human presence, whether at the point of collection or in the laboratory. What is needed are biosensors that function as robustly and easily as a smoke-alarm, i.e. autonomous, reliable, in-field monitoring technologies capable of disseminating data in a straightforward way and in real-time to a broad range of personnel and decision-makers. CD3, in collaboration with the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station will seek to overcome these barriers. By testing various approaches to multiplex detection of aquatic pathogens, we will expand the capabilities of the “DNA-Tracker,” meeting a critical benchmark for commercial adoption.