… [S]cientists are deploying a new tool on the frontlines to find and contain the invaders. Enter the environmental DNA autosampler. At first glance, it looks like an unglamorous silver storage trunk with a hose coming out of it. It’s hard to tell it’s actually a $29,595 sophisticated robot. The machine autonomously takes water samples to find microscopic traces of organic matter, like scales and skin cells, to determine if invasive species have been present in the water. U.S. Geological Survey fish biologist Kimberley Dibble has recently been using the tech to search for invasive smallmouth bass in the Colorado River near the Glen Canyon Dam. The predators are devouring native species like razorback suckers and humpback chub.

Other invasive species news:

• Aspen Daily News (Colo.): Invasive zebra mussels discovered last October in Colorado River
• Center for Biological Diversity: News release: Risks to Grand Canyon’s endangered fish grow as Colorado River declines, invasive fish barriers delayed