Moving environmental DNA methods from concept to practice for monitoring aquatic macroorganisms
Summary
The discovery that macroorganisms can be detected from their environmental DNA (eDNA) in aquatic systems has immense potential for the conservation of biological diversity. This special issue contains 11 papers that review and advance the field of eDNA detection of vertebrates and other macroorganisms, including studies of eDNA production, transport, and degradation; sample collection and processing to maximize detection rates; and applications of eDNA for conservation using citizen scientists. This body of work is an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to take eDNA detection of macroorganisms from technical breakthrough to established, reliable method that can be used in survey, monitoring, and research applications worldwide. [...]
Summary
The discovery that macroorganisms can be detected from their environmental DNA (eDNA) in aquatic
systems has immense potential for the conservation of biological diversity. This special issue contains
11 papers that review and advance the field of eDNA detection of vertebrates and other macroorganisms,
including studies of eDNA production, transport, and degradation; sample collection and processing to
maximize detection rates; and applications of eDNA for conservation using citizen scientists. This body
of work is an important contribution to the ongoing efforts to take eDNA detection of macroorganisms
from technical breakthrough to established, reliable method that can be used in survey, monitoring,
and research applications worldwide. While the rapid advances in this field are remarkable, important
challenges remain, including consensus on best practices for collection and analysis, understanding of
eDNA diffusion and transport, and avoidance of inhibition in sample collection and processing. Nonetheless,
as demonstrated in this special issue, eDNA techniques for research and monitoring are beginning to
realize their potential for contributing to the conservation of biodiversity globally.
