Detection of Invasive Species 16.8 Concluding Remarks 449
Part B | 16.8
and collect the filtrate for subsequent DNA extraction
and analysis. For this to occur routinely, laboratory
facilities may need to be maintained at, or close to
ports, and the DNA extraction method must not produce significant PCR inhibition. The use of microfluidic
carbon nanotube platforms for the detection of invasive species from substrates such as ballast have been
proposed by [16.98], and the use of laser transmission
spectroscopy has also been proposed by [16.99]; technology such as this shows potential for on-board or
portside applications. Well-defined quantitative testing
systems could also be used to test the performance of
ballast water treatment systems, particularly the concentrations of indicator microbes and invasive species
of high economic importance.
16.7.3 Legal Requirements
It is possible that the result of detection of marine pests
through molecular methods would be that legal action
(e.g., seizures, quarantine) would be initiated by the relevant jurisdiction. It is, therefore, of utmost importance
that positive results are verified through a number of
methods: 1. manual discovery and identification of the
pest; 2. obtaining DNA sequence data from the sample
to further confirm identity; 3. using multiple detection
methods (e.g., traditional identification with multiple
molecular methods). It is also essential that the laboratory involved follow rigorous protocols and utilize
a number of controls (including spikes) to provide quality control and assurance measures.
16.8 Concluding Remarks
This review summarizes studies about the molecular
identification and/or detection of marine pest species.
For the effective control of marine pest incursions, rapid
specific identification is of utmost importance. An understanding and exploration of the genetic diversity
of different pest species populations is also required,
which will lead to more effective control and a better understanding of pest biology. The development
of molecular-based assays for a wide range of marine
pests provides a solid foundation for the continued development of robust, sensitive, and specific assays for
screening environmental samples. It is important that
the opportunity is grasped to develop robust surveillance methods of marine invasive species, as in some
situations, detection may prevent release unless appropriate treatment is undertaken. Identification is vital in
order for treatment and mitigation program to be implemented in a timely and effective manner.
Provided that they are robustly validated, highthroughput methods such as qPCR currently offers the
most cost-effective and rapid means of analysis. The
potential of ecogenomic applications is being realized,
providing opportunities to not only understand what
invasive species are present in a sample but also to analyze endemic species to assess overall environmental
health.
An important component in the development of
molecular surveillance strategies is an effective DNA
isolation and purification technique that works effectively on a range of sample types and locations (e.g.,
spatial and temporal variation in samples). Methods
need to be optimized relevant to the substrate to remove
inhibitory substances to enzymatic amplification, and
the development of an accepted quality control standard [16.16] for the effective purification of DNA from
different sample types is essential.
With the worldwide decline in specialist taxonomic
expertise there is an increasing need for accurate and
rapid marine invasive species diagnostics. Continued
development of marine invasive species molecular diagnostics must occur in conjunction with taxonomic
specialists to ensure accuracy of assay development.
Studies investigating the systematics and phylogenetic
relationships of marine invasive species and related
taxa will progress towards the development of robust
diagnostics. These studies will help to further identify molecular markers with diagnostic potential and
provide baseline genetic information necessary for the
design of specific diagnostic assays.
Specific diagnosis is central to: (a) rapidly establishing the prevalence and distribution of marine invasive
species in the environment in conjunction with traditional sampling techniques, (b) monitoring changes in
marine invasive species distribution spatially and temporally, and (c) conducting targeted eradication and
control programs if economics and logistics permit.
Developing the capacity for detection and enumeration of marine invasive species seems achievable if
appropriate support and funding is provided by relevant
stakeholders.
Part B | 16.8
and collect the filtrate for subsequent DNA extraction
and analysis. For this to occur routinely, laboratory
facilities may need to be maintained at, or close to
ports, and the DNA extraction method must not produce significant PCR inhibition. The use of microfluidic
carbon nanotube platforms for the detection of invasive species from substrates such as ballast have been
proposed by [16.98], and the use of laser transmission
spectroscopy has also been proposed by [16.99]; technology such as this shows potential for on-board or
portside applications. Well-defined quantitative testing
systems could also be used to test the performance of
ballast water treatment systems, particularly the concentrations of indicator microbes and invasive species
of high economic importance.
16.7.3 Legal Requirements
It is possible that the result of detection of marine pests
through molecular methods would be that legal action
(e.g., seizures, quarantine) would be initiated by the relevant jurisdiction. It is, therefore, of utmost importance
that positive results are verified through a number of
methods: 1. manual discovery and identification of the
pest; 2. obtaining DNA sequence data from the sample
to further confirm identity; 3. using multiple detection
methods (e.g., traditional identification with multiple
molecular methods). It is also essential that the laboratory involved follow rigorous protocols and utilize
a number of controls (including spikes) to provide quality control and assurance measures.
16.8 Concluding Remarks
This review summarizes studies about the molecular
identification and/or detection of marine pest species.
For the effective control of marine pest incursions, rapid
specific identification is of utmost importance. An understanding and exploration of the genetic diversity
of different pest species populations is also required,
which will lead to more effective control and a better understanding of pest biology. The development
of molecular-based assays for a wide range of marine
pests provides a solid foundation for the continued development of robust, sensitive, and specific assays for
screening environmental samples. It is important that
the opportunity is grasped to develop robust surveillance methods of marine invasive species, as in some
situations, detection may prevent release unless appropriate treatment is undertaken. Identification is vital in
order for treatment and mitigation program to be implemented in a timely and effective manner.
Provided that they are robustly validated, highthroughput methods such as qPCR currently offers the
most cost-effective and rapid means of analysis. The
potential of ecogenomic applications is being realized,
providing opportunities to not only understand what
invasive species are present in a sample but also to analyze endemic species to assess overall environmental
health.
An important component in the development of
molecular surveillance strategies is an effective DNA
isolation and purification technique that works effectively on a range of sample types and locations (e.g.,
spatial and temporal variation in samples). Methods
need to be optimized relevant to the substrate to remove
inhibitory substances to enzymatic amplification, and
the development of an accepted quality control standard [16.16] for the effective purification of DNA from
different sample types is essential.
With the worldwide decline in specialist taxonomic
expertise there is an increasing need for accurate and
rapid marine invasive species diagnostics. Continued
development of marine invasive species molecular diagnostics must occur in conjunction with taxonomic
specialists to ensure accuracy of assay development.
Studies investigating the systematics and phylogenetic
relationships of marine invasive species and related
taxa will progress towards the development of robust
diagnostics. These studies will help to further identify molecular markers with diagnostic potential and
provide baseline genetic information necessary for the
design of specific diagnostic assays.
Specific diagnosis is central to: (a) rapidly establishing the prevalence and distribution of marine invasive
species in the environment in conjunction with traditional sampling techniques, (b) monitoring changes in
marine invasive species distribution spatially and temporally, and (c) conducting targeted eradication and
control programs if economics and logistics permit.
Developing the capacity for detection and enumeration of marine invasive species seems achievable if
appropriate support and funding is provided by relevant
stakeholders.