Policy action needed to unlock eDNA potential

The technological innovation of environmental DNA(eDNA) began about 14 years ago with the detection of DNA from American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus, formerly Rana catesbeiana) in water samples from French ponds. Hundreds of journal publications later, many research groups have continued to innovate, expanding the genetic information derived from field samples. What started with the detection of a single target species now extends to detecting hundreds of species simultaneously. and to quantifying genetic diversity and population size (Andres et al. 2021). Terrestrial animals and plants are now also targeted from eDNA in water, soil, and air samples. The rapid pace of research has fueled many studies of management relevance, including detection of incipient invasions to guide control efforts detection of imperiled species to facilitate habitat protection; quantification of biodiversity trends over large spatial scales; and, in Europe, monitoring of indicator species or entire biological communities to establish baselines for environmental impact. Deployment of eDNA technology improves measurements of biodiversity, which could enable better management.