Researchers from The James Hutton Institute have published a report outlining a national strategy for Scotland to monitor and protect its natural environment, using environmental DNA (eDNA) and other biomolecules to track biodiversity and environmental health.
eDNA refers to genetic material organisms leave behind in soil, water or air. By analysing this material, scientists can assess biodiversity and environmental status more efficiently and comprehensively than by traditional survey methods.
This report, which resulted from a Fellowship funded by the Scottish, Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions (SEFARI), identifies significant opportunities: rapid detection of ecological change will allow more responsive and effective policy decisions as eDNA-based methods can capture data on a wide range of species simultaneously. This robust and deeper analysis helps evaluate progress in, for example, environmental restoration projects.