Navigating uncertainty in environmental DNA detection of a nuisance marine macroalga

Early detection of nuisance species is crucial for managing threatened ecosystems and preventing widespread establishment. Environmental DNA (eDNA) data can increase the sensitivity of biomonitoring programs, often at minimal cost and effort. However, eDNA analyses are prone to errors that can complicate their use in management frameworks. To address this, eDNA studies must consider imperfect detections and estimate error rates. Detecting nuisance species at low abundances with minimal uncertainty is vital for successful containment and eradication. We developed a novel eDNA assay to detect a nuisance marine macroalga across its colonization front using surface seawater samples from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), one of the world’s largest marine reserves. Chondria tumulosa is a cryptogenic red alga with invasive traits, forming dense mats that overgrow coral reefs and smother native flora and fauna in PMNM. We verified the eDNA assay using site-occupancy d..., , , # Navigating uncertainty in environmental DNA detection of a nuisance marine macroalga

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.kkwh70s8q](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.kkwh70s8q)

[https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318414](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318414)

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) data were exported as CSV files directly from the CFX Manager software (Bio-Rad) and includes:

* **quantification amplification results** (Quantification_Amplification_Results_SYBR.csv) - raw qPCR data used to visualize amplification curves (cycle number, relative fluorescence units \"value\", detection threshold as calculated by the CFX96 and efficiency \"E\", as calculated using the CFX Manager software)
* **melt curve derivative results** (Melt_Curve_Derivative_Results_SYBR.csv) - raw qPCR data used in the melt curve analysis (cycle temperature C, negative first derivative of the melting-curve, -dF/dT \"value\", detection threshold as calculated by the CFX96 and efficiency \"E\", as calculated using the CF...