Genetic Variability and Life History of Pacific Lamprey in the Susitna River and Big Lake Drainages

The US Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 7 intends to award a single source financial assistance agreement as authorized by 505 DM 2.14 (B) to the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. This notice is not a request for proposals and the Government does not intend to accept proposals. Funding under this project is intended to support the development of a science-based genetic tool to efficiently and confidently detect the presence/absence of lamprey using eDNA technology, which will allow managers to incorporate best management practices for the species when planning new transportation infrastructure projects and cyclical maintenance. The information gained from the projectâ¿¿s research and the development of the genetic assay specific to lamprey to apply in eDNA sampling efforts will significantly increase our knowledge of the species presence and their distribution within a waterway. With eDNA testing, the occurrence of multiple species can be tested for provided that the genetic assay has been developed for the individual specie. eDNA testing of water samples for species can significantly streamline necessary field work and effort needed to gain presence and distribution information.