On December 9, 2024, UNESCO announced the completion of a groundbreaking global marine species mapping project using environmental DNA (eDNA) — an innovative method set to transform biodiversity monitoring in the oceans. This approach has identified nearly 4,500 species of marine flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
What is Environmental DNA (eDNA)?
eDNA refers to genetic material left behind by marine organisms in their environment through mucus, scales, or cells. Collecting just 1.5 liters of water allows scientists to identify species without disturbing them directly, making the method non-invasive, accessible, and cost-effective.
Saara Suominen, an eDNA expert, highlighted:
"You can collect as many water samples as you like, and it doesn't disturb the animals."
Results and Achievements
The project spanned 21 marine protected areas across 19 countries, including South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Over three years, researchers collected 500 water samples, which allowed them to:
Identify over 4,500 marine species, including rare ones like the spotted eagle ray and long-beaked dolphin.
Document 120 species listed in the IUCN Red List (including threatened species).
Discover 847 species in the lagoons of New Caledonia, 16 of which are threatened.
The method also revealed nocturnal and hard-to-observe species, such as those inhabiting coral reefs.
Accessibility and Community Involvement
An eDNA kit costs approximately €25, making it affordable even for resource-limited countries. Over 250 schoolchildren from 19 countries participated in collecting samples, making the method both educational and socially impactful.
Fanny Douvere, head of UNESCO’s Marine Heritage Program, emphasized:
"The simplicity of this technique allows anyone, even without specialized knowledge, to contribute to global monitoring."
Importance for Ocean Conservation
UNESCO plans to use eDNA data to prioritize protected zones, focusing on areas at high risk. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, stated:
"This method accelerates efforts to achieve the goal of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Agreement."
Future and Challenges
While eDNA offers many advantages, it has certain limitations:
Cannot estimate population size: It does not determine the size or sex of individuals.
Requires expanded DNA databases: To accurately identify new species, these databases need to be more comprehensive.
Nevertheless, scientists are confident that eDNA will become an essential tool for protecting marine ecosystems in the face of climate change.
UNESCO’s eDNA project not only opens new horizons for studying oceans but also offers hope for their conservation. This innovation highlights the importance of science, technology, and community participation in the fight for the planet's future.