qPCR Assays for Macroalgal Invasive Species in Atlantic Canada

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick waters were surveyed at 111 sites in 2022-2023 using five quantitative PCR assays. The data supports surveillance for key non-indigenous macroalgal species, including Antithamnion sparsum, Bonnemaisonia hamifera, Codium fragile, Dasysiphonia japonica, and Fucus serratus. Assays were developed by the Center for Environmental Genomics Applications and the Aquatic Biotechnology Laboratory.

Use Cases

• Analyze detection patterns for Antithamnion sparsum, Bonnemaisonia hamifera, Codium fragile, Dasysiphonia japonica, and Fucus serratus across 111 sampling sites.
• Compare qPCR assay performance developed by the Center for Environmental Genomics Applications and the Aquatic Biotechnology Laboratory for different target species.
• Assess the non-specific amplification issue noted for the Fucus serratus assay, which also detects Fucus distichus, in surveillance data.
• Map the presence and potential spread of the five targeted non-indigenous macroalgal species in Atlantic Canadian waters.

Strengths

• Data is derived from 111 distinct sampling sites, providing spatial breadth.
• Covers five specifically targeted non-indigenous macroalgal species with dedicated qPCR assays.
• Clear temporal scope from fieldwork conducted in 2022-2023.
• Methodological details are documented, including the known limitation of the Fucus serratus assay.

Limitations

• The assay for Fucus serratus is non-specific and also amplifies Fucus distichus, which could lead to misidentification.
• The dataset is a snapshot from a two-year period, limiting analysis of long-term trends.
• Sample data and column structure are unavailable, hindering immediate understanding of the data format.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Collection Method

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays performed on samples collected from 111 sites.

Time Range

2022-2023.

Freshness

Data was last updated in March 2026, indicating recent maintenance.

Geography

Waters of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada.