The following schedule is from the 72nd Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies which was held October 21-24, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama.
AUTHORS: Lauren E. Davis, Sarah E. Johnson, Eric Peatman – School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University
ABSTRACT: Black basses (Micropterus spp.) represent some of the most highly sought after game fishes in North America. Efforts to improve recreational bass fisheries have led to the widespread stocking of black bass species, often facilitating introgressive hybridization between endemic and non-native species. Currently, most genetic sampling aimed at monitoring black bass populations is conducted using fin clips stored in ethanol. In order to expand the collection of DNA samples to hard-to-obtain specimens or subpopulations, we established a simple angler-driven protocol that includes a minimally invasive buccal swab kit and room temperature return and storage within a breathable sleeve. Here, we tested duration of swabbing (3, 5, 10 seconds), swab location (tongue, cheek), holding temperature (23°C, 35°C), storage variability (21-54°C), storage duration (1 week, 1 month, 4 months), and time between extraction and genotyping (1 week, 2 week, 3 week) to determine the best methodology for downstream DNA extraction and SNP genotyping. We also developed a rapid and inexpensive DNA extraction method to be used on buccal swab and fin clip samples. Our results indicated no significant effect of swab location, holding temperature, storage variability, or storage duration (p>0.05), demonstrating the robustness of the protocol. While longer swabbing duration increased DNA yield, it had no impact on genotyping accuracy. Anglers consistently recovered sufficient DNA for successful genotyping in pilot studies on Lake Martin and Lake Eufaula, Alabama. Our results indicate that buccal swabbing is a viable approach for applications that require engaging the angling public in genetic sample collection.
