Eastward Expansion of Round Goby in New York: Assessment of Detection Methods and Current Range

The Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus has spread rapidly around the Great Lakes region since its introduction to North America in 1990. In 2014, a specimen was captured New York State Canal System west of Utica, prompting concerns that would soon reach ecologically and economically valuable watersheds Lake Champlain Hudson River estuary. establishment populations elsewhere been linked number negative ecological consequences, yet methods for monitoring invasion front this species remain limited. objectives study were assess current distribution central determine most effective front. This achieved by concurrently using benthic trawling, seining, minnow traps, environmental DNA (eDNA) twice annually from 2016 2019 at 12 sites on canal system between Oneida River. Of three traditional gear types, trawling method as far east Utica 2019. finding suggests only minimal eastward expansion occurred 2014 detected water samples during all surveys which individuals with estimated concentration explained 69% variability trawl catch. At multiple sites, identified consecutive before first trawling. lotic waters, eDNA potential forecast or serve sentinel new locations. Our results demonstrate importance repeated sampling framework supplementing some level effort methods.