Strategy for Successful Integration of eDNA-based Methods in Aquatic Monitoring

Recent developments in the use of environmental DNA are opening up new horizons for the assessment of the quality of aquatic environments. These rapid and cost-effective methods make it possible to identify all the taxa present in an environmental sample (water or biota). The produced inventories can then be used for biodiversity assessment as well as for bio-indication. However, the inclusion of these new DNA-based methods in monitoring practices is not straightforward and requires harmonised actions in the coming years at national and international levels. In order to foresee and stimulate such a harmonised implementation, the European network DNAqua-Net (COST Action CA15219) brought together members of DNAqua-Net, members of ECOSTAT and other environmental biomonitoring stakeholders from different European countries. Through workshops, bringing together 51 participants in 7 sub-groups in April 2020, an implementation road map was designed. The coordinated actions to be taken in the different countries, and the possible collaboration and steps to be taken at the EU level were identified. The resulting document gives an overview of all discussions, reflecting the diversity of situations in Europe, as well as common views, and it highlights important actions required for a successful implementation of DNA-based biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems at the horizon 2030.