eDNA and Marine Genomics for Ecosystem Monitoring

New molecular tools are reshaping how scientists study ocean health and track biodiversity. The application of eDNA and marine genomics for ecosystem monitoring provides rapid, non-invasive methods to detect species presence, population trends, and ecological interactions. Environmental DNA, shed by organisms into water through skin cells, mucus, or waste, enables researchers to identify species without direct observation or capture. When combined with high-throughput sequencing and genomic analysis, this approach yields comprehensive insights into ecosystem dynamics and shifts under environmental stress. The integration of eDNA and marine genomics for ecosystem monitoring is revolutionizing fisheries management, invasive species detection, and conservation planning. By capturing fine-scale data across large oceanic regions, these tools offer a cost-effective and powerful way to inform policy and guide restoration strategies. This molecular perspective strengthens adaptive management approaches in rapidly changing marine environments.