eDNA monitoring

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Environmental DNA monitoring

Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring refers to the collection and analysis of genetic material shed by organisms into their surrounding environment.

It can tell us about species diversity and the presence of target species, such as those at risk of extinction, invasive non-native species, or even ‘lost’ species. It can also be used to monitor the presence of species across large areas, and with careful interpretation, provide distribution information.

While typical biodiversity survey methods require experts on the ground and can be time-consuming, costly and intrusive – usually involving catching fishes and other aquatic animals – eDNA technology offers an innovative solution that is often far more efficient and can detect species that are difficult to observe with traditional surveys. It is also relatively easy to do – just one water sample can reveal what is living, often unseen, in our waters.

Monitoring can be undertaken by local communities and citizen scientists, working alongside expert ecologists to plan surveys and interpret data. This can generate significant volumes of data that would otherwise be very difficult – if not impossible – to gather. In addition, eDNA can be easily integrated into other biodiversity surveys. eDNA monitoring can be used to rapidly gather data in river basins with limited data, potentially expediting decisions and policy development.

WWF’s eDNA PROJECT IN THE MEKONG

Shang Keosouvanh, Biodiversity Officer, WWF-Laos, collecting eDNA samples

© WWF-Laos

Given the urgent need for more data on freshwater biodiversity in the Mekong, WWF partnered up with experts from FISHBIO to conduct and analyse eDNA studies in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in 2024. The project has demonstrated how useful eDNA is as a tool for enhancing data and knowledge in the Mekong River – an ecosystem notoriously difficult to monitor using traditional methods due to its size, low visibility due to high sediment concentrations, and dynamic flow that fluctuates significantly both seasonally and year to year.

The project has generated a number of important insights:

Community participation is critical;
eDNA sample collection is simple to implement, though analysis requires time and trained laboratory experts;
Working with expert ecologists is essential to design effective surveys and interpret results;
There is great value in investing in the inclusion of additional species in GenBank (an open access genetic sequence database);
A mosaic of monitoring types is important for verification and completeness.

Environmental DNA cannot tell us everything – but it can tell us so much more. It offers priceless data to protect species, and does so in a way that is accessible, cost-effective and non-intrusive compared to traditional survey methods.

eDNA reports are available for download below. For Myanmar’s eDNA technical report (not included below), please email info-asiapacific@wwfint.org.

eDNA report 2025

eDNA highlights