Scientists Have Deployed DNA Samplers to Track Fish

New autonomous devices detect invasive aquatic species in the Colorado River to help protect native fish populations.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Environmental

A metallic, cylindrical water-sampling buoy floats on the Colorado River, set against a backdrop of rugged desert canyon walls. — Researchers have deployed autonomous DNA sampling devices across the Colorado River basin to monitor for invasive fish species before their populations take hold. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Researchers have implemented environmental DNA autosamplers to identify invasive fish species within the Colorado River basin. These devices screen for biological traces to detect threats before populations become established.

Why it matters

Traditional monitoring often fails to detect invasive fish until their populations are large, but this technology identifies microscopic traces when species are still sparse. Early detection is critical as drought-driven temperature shifts allow predatory fish to colonize new downstream areas.

Each unit costs $29,595 and utilizes a specialized biochip to identify microscopic biological material. Currently, researchers maintain between 3 and 5 autonomous samplers in operation to monitor waterways.

The players

US Geological Survey

This federal agency conducts scientific research and mapping to monitor natural resources and environmental hazards across the United States.

US Forest Service

This agency manages national forests and grasslands while conducting extensive ecological research to support environmental conservation efforts.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

This state agency manages wildlife and outdoor recreation programs throughout the state of Colorado.

The details

The samplers collect water on a set schedule, searching for scales and skin cells left by invasive predatory species like smallmouth bass, walleye, and green sunfish. These biological samples undergo genetic screening developed by the US Forest Service to protect native fish, such as the razorback sucker and humpback chub.

Severe drought conditions began lowering Lake Powell water levels in the early 2000s.
Warm-water invasive fish were captured in unprecedented numbers in 2022.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife plans to deploy an autosampler near Grand Junction in 2026.

Deeper Dive

This deployment follows the development of the READI-Net system, which acts as a framework to standardize the use of eDNA monitoring across major western river basins. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward automated genetic screening as a primary tool for river health.

By identifying invasive species early, this technology helps prevent the total collapse of native fish populations, which are essential to the regional ecosystem. These efforts also support the long-term management of water reservoirs that millions of people rely on for recreation and utility.

The takeaway

Autonomous genetic monitoring transforms how wildlife officials manage invasive threats by moving from reactive physical surveys to proactive, automated surveillance. This transition allows for faster intervention before non-native species can irrevocably damage protected waterways.