DNA based methods offer a significant opportunity to change how we monitor and assess biodiversity. Building on the approach of using environmental DNA (eDNA) to survey for freshwater vertebrates in the lentic environment, there has been increasing interest in using eDNA techniques to monitor freshwater invertebrate communities and in particular invasive non-native species. One species that Natural England is interested in detecting via eDNA techniques is the Chinese mystery snail Cipangopaludina chinensis.
This snail is a problem invasive non-native species in many parts of the world and was first found within ditches at Pevensey Levels, Sussex in 2018 and at two lakes at Southampton Common, Hampshire in 2022. This project delivers important baseline data on the applications of DNA technologies, specifically the development of species-specific eDNA assays to survey and monitor the spread of non-native molluscs.