WORK PACKAGE 2: Validating the Use of eDNA

Work Package 2 aims to enable eDNA-based approaches (i.e. single species detection, DNA metabarcoding and metagenomics) for biodiversity monitoring across trophic and functional groups (i.e. from microbes to vertebrates) and in marine, terrestrial and freshwater systems.

Work Package Objectives

01
01

Validate eDNA-based approaches performance through meta-analysis of already existing studies and by comparing eDNA-based observations with traditional ones using a large collection of observations data across EU sites.

02
02

Develop standard operating procedures for eDNA across ecosystems and ecological/taxonomic groups in line with the requirements of biodiversity observation networks.

03
03

Tuning and integration of available resources necessary for eDNA-based biomonitoring.

04
04

Derive eDNA-based measures/variables in line with the EBV, MSFD and WFD frameworks.

Progress highlights

2024

2025

  • The partners of WP2 launched a successful Data Analysis Challenge with WP5. More than 60 people participated. We received processed data to help us improve recommendations for eDNA metabarcoding pipeline choice.
  • Overall, the WP saw the arrival of new PhD students and post-docs to contribute to the work on eDNA measurements and data analysis.
  • An open-access publication is coming during the year 2025.
  • The tracking molecular methods for eDNA studies of our WP2 partner will be used in the 12-month-long One Ocean expedition (starting in April 2025).

Lead partner:
CNRS

Contact:
Chris Bowler (CNRS)|cbowler@biologie.ens.fr
Daniel Morais (UIT) | daniel.morais@uit.no