2019 Environmental DNA RESULTS

So far, laboratory analysis for Pacific Lamprey has taken place on all the 57 sites sampled by MCWC, a contracted crew from the Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, and the BLM in 2019. At right is a map showing where Pacific Lamprey were confirmed (green stars), and where eDNA collections did not detect any Pacific Lamprey (black diamonds).

WHAT’S NEXT?

Samples collected in 2019 will continue to be stored so that analysis of additional species of lamprey, freshwater mussels, or other aquatic organisms may take place in the future.

For any species being targeted in eDNA sampling, the detection of species present at a particular collection site means that the species' range extends further upstream from where that sample was taken. With this in mind, MCWC plans to build off of the 2019 pilot project results to work our way upstream mainstem and tributary streams in the major basins of our working area, including the Salmon, Siletz, Yaquina, Alsea, and Yachats. Of great interest will be to collect samples above perceived natural fish passage barriers (such as the falls in the upper Siletz River and South Fork Alsea), which often receive less attention in conservation and restoration projects.