title: Controlling populations of invasive pygmy mussel (Xenostrobus securis) through citizen science and environmental DNA.
abstract: Early detection of dangerous exotic species is crucial for stopping marine invasions. The New Zealand pygmy mussel Xenostrobus securis is a problematic species in coasts of temperate regions in the northern hemisphere. In this study we have controlled a population of this invader that recently expanded in a north Iberian estuary with both a participatory approach involving researchers and citizens, and employing a sensitive eDNA-based tool to monitor the population expansion in the estuary. Results demonstrate successful eradication of pygmy mussels in the outer part of the estuary with citizen science and the practical utility of eDNA for controlling biological invasions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain. Electronic address: lml.miralles@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miralles
authors.affiliation: Department of Education Sciences, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dopico
authors.affiliation: Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Floriaan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Devlo-Delva
authors.affiliation: Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Garcia-Vazquez
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D063366:Estuaries; D058865:Introduced Species; D049879:Mytilidae; D009520:New Zealand
chemical_list: D004247:DNA
keywords: Citizen science; Eradication; Marine invasion; Xenostrobus securis; eDNA