Development of eDNA tools for the detection of marine invasive non-native species to support European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) restoration projects.

The European flat oyster ( Ostrea edulis ) is an important keystone species in Scottish coastal waters. However due to anthropogenic pressures, significant reductions beds have been observed across Europe. In Scotland, several projects are currently aiming restore habitats through the translocation of juvenile oysters from various sources including hatcheries and aquaculture. However, shellfish not risk free can increase accidental invasive non-native (INNS). If INNS become established outside their native range they cause irreversible harm organisms habitats. This study aims develop molecular tools detect environmental DNA which be potentially associated with live stocks. We developed a species-specific real-time PCR assay for detection Pacific Crassostrea gigas) tested its sensitivity large-scale replicated mesocosm based experiment varying densities C.gigas . A secondary objective was assess another species, carpet sea squirt Didemnum vexillum cohabited C. gigas aim quantify probability increasing repeat water samples qPCR replicates. project also investigate feasibility using portable, sequencing technologies such as Oxford Nanopore MinION robust support restoration programmes.