Unveiling the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Berlengas Archipelago in Portugal as a Hotspot of Fish Species Using eDNA Metabarcoding and the Collaboration of Fishing Crews.

This study aims to evaluate the spatiotemporal diversity of fish using 12S rRNA gene eDNA metabarcoding sequencing in the Berlengas archipelago and compare two seawater eDNA sampling sources: samples collected by fishermen during their activities and those collected by our research team. The results indicated that autumn presented the highest diversity and that the area around Berlenga Island was the richest area, increasing biodiversity across the region.