29 Innovative conservation tools

In order to conserve marine biodiversity and ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic threats such as climate change, innovative methods of organism detection are required. Genetic and genomic techniques can be used in marine conservation through a number of ways including: to identify species and genetic diversity in a particular area, allow for detection of invasive species and biodiversity monitoring, forensic genomics to combat illegal trade, and fisheries management (van Oppen and Coleman, 2022).

Environmental DNA (eDNA)

Genetic material such as shed skin cells, hair, mucous or faecal material is shed by organisms into the environment. In the marine environment there is a ‘soup’ of genetic material from organisms in that area. Water samples can be collected and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques used to determine which species are in that particular area. eDNA has revolutionised marine conservation. It is a quick method for gathering large amounts of information and can be used to detect introduced species or rare species which may otherwise be missed by other methods. Watch the videos below to learn more about what it is and find out how eDNA is being used to protect marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

This video is from MBARI (The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) and covers ‘using advanced technology to survey marine biodiversity’:

​This video from EnviroDNA discusses eDNA fish biodiversity study with North Central CMA: