Fish detection by environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approach in the Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

Urban areas in tropical countries, particularly coastal and estuarine regions, are highly vulnerable. The dynamic nature of Jakarta Bay has raised concerns about the decreasing diversity of aquatic life. To address this, we have harnessed the power of cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to comprehensively inventory biodiversity potential. This research, which utilizes such advanced technology, aims to evaluate the current status of aquatic biodiversity along Jakarta's coast and identify factors affecting it. The study found sequences from six fish species spanning five genera, five families, and four orders at three sites. At Muara Baru, three species were identified: scalloped perchlet (Ambassis nalua), guppy (Poecilia reticulata), and sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). Muara Angke had the Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) and the sulphur goatfish (Upeneus sulphureus), while Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) contained the scalloped perchlet (Ambassis nalua) and the pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). The scalloped perchlet was the most frequently encountered species. The ShannonWiener index used to measure species diversity indicates low to moderate diversity across the sites.