New CSIR-CCMB method to aid fishermen battle invasive catfish in Eastern Ghats

Hyderabad: Invasive species pose a significant threat to ecosystems, often disrupting natural balance and endangering livelihoods.

In a bid to address the pressing issue, Neeldeep Ganguly and Dr G Umapathy, chief scientist at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, have pioneered a novel approach utilising environmental DNA (eDNA) to estimate the presence and spread of invasive armoured sailfin catfish in the water bodies of Eastern Ghats.

Sailfin catfish, the bane of fishermen

The armoured sailfin catfish, initially introduced for its aesthetic appeal and algae-cleaning capabilities in tanks and aquaria, has now proliferated across 60 per cent of Eastern Ghats water bodies, wreaking havoc on fishing nets and the local ecosystem.

Dr Umapathy, the lead author of the study, underscored the significance of early detection in preserving ecosystems and supporting ecological equilibrium. He emphasised the critical role of their technique in facilitating the early detection of the armoured sailfin catfish, thereby aiding ongoing invasive species management efforts and safeguarding native fish populations.

Mapping invasive catfish’s distribution

The eDNA-based quantitative PCR assay developed by Ganguly and Dr Umapathy allows for the precise mapping of the invasive catfish’s distribution. By isolating DNA specific to the catfish from water samples, their method not only confirms the presence of the species but also gauges the extent of its spread.

Dr Vinay K Nandicoori, director of CCMB, underscored the advantages of the eDNA approach over conventional detection methods. He highlighted its reliability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, contrasting it with labour-intensive and limited-coverage conventional techniques.

Dr Nandicoori envisioned the widespread adoption of the eDNA approach across large landscapes like the Eastern Ghats, enabling comprehensive monitoring of invasive species with minimal time and resources.

The work of Ganguly, Dr Umapathy, and their team, recently published in the journal Environmental DNA, offered a promising solution to the burgeoning threat of invasive species in India’s water bodies. By leveraging cutting-edge molecular biology techniques, they provide a valuable tool for conservationists and environmentalists striving to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.