Applications of Environmental DNA (eDNA) in Monitoring and Managing Invasive Alien Species

Invasive alien species (IAS) have led to a sharp decline in local biodiversity and ecosystem functions across multiple aquatic environments. Rapid early detection, identification, monitoring and management of IAS is therefore highly essential and has become a priority within Europe.

Environmental DNA (eDNA)-based methods have recently gained traction as an innovative tool for studying biodiversity and in the early detection and monitoring of IAS. eDNA refers to genetic material that organisms leave behind in water, soil, or air, and it is increasingly used across fundamental and applied research fields such as ecology, conservation, and biomonitoring. Molecular approaches overcome certain challenges related to cryptic species or species with morphologically indistinguishable features and can be highly sensitive to detect rare and elusive species.

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the theoretical foundations of eDNA, including how it originates, persists, and moves through different environments. The course covers methods for detecting IAS within both freshwater and marine systems, with real-world examples, as well as lectures and discussions on current applications and challenges of eDNA-based methods.