Moving environmental DNA methods from concept to practice for monitoring aquatic macroorganisms

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 macroorganis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biological conservation 2015-03, Vol.183, p.1-3
Main Authors: Goldberg, Caren S., Strickler, Katherine M., Pilliod, David S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphibian
Biodiversity
Collection
Conservation
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Detection
eDNA
Environmental monitoring
Fish
Monitoring
PCR inhibition
Transport
Vertebrates
Wildlife conservation
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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.
ISSN:0006-3207
1873-2917
DOI:10.1016/j.biocon.2014.11.040