User: Vani Mohit and Marie-Ève Tousignant (ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs)
Biologists from the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) are collaborating with researchers from McGill University to develop a new tool, both in the field and in the laboratory, aimed at early detection of invasive exotic aquatic plants upon their introduction and establishment. This pilot project will be tested and then implemented province-wide in Québec in partnership with local and regional organizations. The ultimate goal is to establish a standardized and cost-effective platform for regularly monitoring the presence of these invasive plants throughout the province. Such an early detection program would enable rapid intervention and help avoid high restoration costs. The multidisciplinary team assembled for this project includes experts in aquatic plants as well as environmental DNA. Their extensive experience in generating and sharing data, including genetic data, with the public, aims to protect both human health and ecosystem health.