Source link : https://theamericannews.net/america/anguilla/discovering-the-hidden-journey-of-american-eels-in-maines-dammed-penobscot-river-using-edna-technology/

In a groundbreaking study published in the Wiley Online Library, researchers are leveraging cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to shed light on the elusive American eel (Anguilla rostrata) within the heavily dammed Penobscot River Watershed in Maine. Once a vital component of the region’s aquatic ecosystem, the American eel has experienced significant population declines due to habitat loss, overfishing, and, crucially, the myriad barriers posed by dams. This innovative approach not only highlights the current distribution of this species in a watershed fraught with human-made challenges but also raises critical questions about the resilience of ecosystems in the face of industrial encroachment. As conservationists seek effective strategies to restore the health of this important waterway, the findings from this study could pave the way for more informed management practices aimed at safeguarding the American eel and the broader ecological community of the Penobscot River.

Assessing American Eel Populations in the Penobscot River Watershed Through eDNA Techniques

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata), a species experiencing troubling declines, has been the focus of innovative research methods aimed at understanding its population dynamics, particularly within the heavily dammed Penobscot River watershed. Utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, researchers have detected eel presence across multiple sampling sites, providing significant insights into…

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Author : Charlotte Adams

Publish date : 2026-02-19 16:10:00

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