Dr Maarten De Brauwer1
1CSIRO, Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Australia
The rapid uptake of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods globally is an indication of its potential in environmental monitoring. In less than 15 years, the field of eDNA has matured well beyond the proof-of-concept state to current moves towards integration in research and monitoring projects globally. Environmental DNA could revolutionise how we monitor temperate reef systems across the world, yet large-scale integration in official monitoring programs remains limited. We developed a roadmap towards integrating eDNA methods in marine monitoring programs. Using Australia’s extensive marine parks as a case study, we present an overview of the current state of the field relevant to monitoring temperate reefs and suggest pathways towards best practice use of eDNA for resource managers. We identify the aspects of monitoring that eDNA can best contribute to in the near and distant future, while considering the challenges specific to eDNA and how to overcome them. The careful integration of eDNA methodologies in monitoring can help to ensure a more sustainable future for the rich biodiversity found in temperate reefs.
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