Biodiversa+ is actively working to create a unified approach to biodiversity monitoring schemes across Europe. To further this mission, we have launched a series of experience-sharing sessions featuring our partners and external experts on best practice in biodiversity monitoring protocols.
This session explores the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity monitoring in Europe. Biodiversa+ pilot coordinators Julia Seeber (EURAC Research, Bolzano) and Nina Prasil-Delaval (PatriNat, France) discuss their progress using eDNA for soil and marine biodiversity monitoring, respectively. Katrine Hansen Lemming (Agency for Green Transition and Aquatic Environment, Denmark) then introduces a pilot project on eDNA methods in freshwater environments.
Some takeaways
- The Soil pilot compares traditional and molecular methods (including eDNA) for soil biodiversity monitoring. Preliminary results highlight challenges with eDNA, such as the impact of soil drying on alpha diversity and limitations in identifying certain taxa. While eDNA offers scalability, optimisation of protocols, databases, and primers is needed.
- The EU-RockFish pilot uses eDNA to monitor reef fish in European coastal waters, addressing the lack of standardised, long-term monitoring. eDNA offers advantages over visual methods, particularly in challenging conditions, but requires standardised protocols for sampling, analysis, and data sharing. The project has developed a standardised eDNA protocol involving on-site filtration and centralised lab analysis. Results are expected by March 2025. A key open question is finding a suitable global repository for eDNA data.
- A Danish government project is exploring the feasibility of integrating eDNA into Natura 2000 monitoring for Great Crested Newts and water beetles. The project compares eDNA methods (qPCR and metabarcoding) with conventional monitoring. Key findings include a strong correlation between eDNA and conventional methods for Great Crested Newts, the need for standardisation, accredited labs, and collaboration across EU countries, and the understanding that eDNA is a tool to complement, not replace, traditional methods.
- Overal, eDNA holds significant potential for enhancing biodiversity monitoring across various environments. However, standardisation of protocols, addressing technical challenges (such as contamination and database completeness), and fostering collaboration are crucial for its successful and widespread implementation. eDNA is seen as a valuable tool to complement, not replace, traditional monitoring methods.