Environmental DNA methods for ecological monitoring and biodiversity assessment in estuaries

Raman P. Nagarajan; Mallory Bedwell; Ann E. Holmes; Thiago Sanches; Shawn Acuña; Melinda R. Baerwald; Matthew A. Barnes; Scott Blankenship; Richard E. Connon; Kristy Deiner; Daphne Gille; Caren S. Goldberg; Margaret Hunter; Christopher L. Jerde; Gordon Luikart; Rachel S. Meyer; Alison Watts; Andrea M Schreier

doi:10.1007/s12237-022-01080-y

Environmental DNA methods for ecological monitoring and biodiversity assessment in estuaries

Estuaries and Coasts

By: Raman P. Nagarajan, Mallory Bedwell, Ann E. Holmes, Thiago Sanches, Shawn Acuña, Melinda R. Baerwald, Matthew A. Barnes, Scott Blankenship, Richard E. Connon, Kristy Deiner, Daphne Gille, Caren S. Goldberg, Margaret Hunter, Christopher L. Jerde, Gordon Luikart, Rachel S. Meyer, Alison Watts, and Andrea M Schreier

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-022-01080-y

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Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection methods can complement traditional biomonitoring to yield new ecological insights in aquatic systems. However, the conceptual and methodological frameworks for aquatic eDNA detection and interpretation were developed primarily in freshwater environments and have not been well established for estuaries and marine environments that are by nature dynamic, turbid, and hydrologically complex. Environmental context and species life history are critical for successful application of eDNA methods, and the challenges associated with eDNA detection in estuaries were the subject of a symposium held at the University of California Davis on January 29, 2020 (https://marinescience.ucdavis.edu/engagement/past-events/edna). Here, we elaborate upon topics addressed in the symposium to evaluate eDNA methods in the context of monitoring and biodiversity studies in estuaries. We first provide a concise overview of eDNA science and methods, and then examine the San Francisco Estuary (SFE) as a case study to illustrate how eDNA detection can complement traditional monitoring programs and provide regional guidance on future potential eDNA applications. Additionally, we offer recommendations for enhancing communication between eDNA scientists and natural resource managers, which is essential for integrating eDNA methods into existing monitoring programs. Our intent is to create a resource that is accessible to those outside the field of eDNA, especially managers, without oversimplifying the challenges or advantages of these methods.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	Environmental DNA methods for ecological monitoring and biodiversity assessment in estuaries
Series title	Estuaries and Coasts
DOI	10.1007/s12237-022-01080-y
Volume	45
Year Published	2022
Language	English
Publisher	Springer
Contributing office(s)	Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description	22 p.
First page	2254
Last page	2273
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page