Plans to scale up the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to help survey and protect some of the planet’s most precious World Heritage marine reserves are now being hatched between the philanthropic organisation, the Minderoo Foundation and UNESCO, following the successful first-phase completion of a special eDNA Expedition.

Some 250 citizen scientists were engaged as part of this initial phase of the project to collect over 400 eDNA from across 21 UNESCO World Heritage Marine Sites, resulting in the identification of over 4,000 species.

Phase two of the project will now look at how such efforts have be amplified – on a far greater scale. to do this, the Minderoo Foundation will provide $3.5 million (Australian) to help fund the development of long-term molecular biodiversity observation capabilities across 25 marine protected areas currently serving as global reference sites.

Its aim will be to collect more than 3,000 samples – marking a significant leap forward in monitoring capabilities. It will also include a global citizen science campaign led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), powered by the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS).

“Today we are calling on all world leaders who profess to care about our ocean and its biodiversity to embrace the power of DNA technology – it is, quite simply, a game-changer in understanding ocean health,” said Minderoo Foundation founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO.

“By analysing tiny traces of genetic material left behind by marine life, eDNA gives us a non-invasive, accurate, and scalable way to track biodiversity.”

The collection of eDNA will allow scientists and policymakers to better monitor biodiversity at a fraction of current costs in a more cost-effective way, enabling them to make better decisions about its protection.

“This UNESCO-Minderoo collaboration puts this tool in the hands of people looking after some of the planet’s most precious world heritage marine sites,” continued Forrest. “Without holistic biodiversity data, we’re flying blind. With eDNA, we have a powerful tool to guide bold, science-based action and listen to what the ocean is telling us.”

Within a single, one-litre sample of seawater, eDNA techniques can reveal genetic traces of thousands of species, from bacteria to whales. Compared to other existing technologies, it is far more accessible, affordable, non-invasive and fast – reducing data collection times from years down to just a matter of weeks.

In 2020, Minderoo Foundation established its OceanOmics programme and has – in the years since – opened a laboratory at the University of Western Australia, putting it at the cutting-edge of marine scientific development and research.

“To date, we have successfully collected and analysed over 10,000 eDNA samples across a diverse range of marine environments – from the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef to the unique marine ecosystems of the Abrolhos Islands and the Indian Ocean Territories; the deep-sea habitats of Perth Canyon, as well as the nearshore waters along Western Australia’s south-west coast,” said Professor Mike Bunce, director of OceanOmics.

“Minderoo’s support of the UNESCO eDNA programme will allow for the mobilisation and engagement of communities, local rangers and especially young citizens, through hands-on science and conservation activities using eDNA, a cutting-edge yet accessible technology.”

It’s hoped that from this project, a “wave of biodiversity monitoring” will be span the globe enabling the international marine science community to “listen to nature more effectively.”

“Together – through the power of DNA exploration – Minderoo Foundation, UNESCO and our partners will ensure that these pristine marine environments remain a source of inspiration and wonder for generations to come,” said Professor Bunce.

The project has been launched to coincide with the United Nations Ocean Conference which was hosted by Nice, France this week. Amid a flurry of announcements and pledges, Minderoo Foundation has committed a further $10 million (US) to unlock the financing needed for marine protected areas aimed at reversing habitat and species loss.

The Marine 30×30 Finance Program will see Minderoo Foundation partner with Pew Charitable Trusts (Pew) and Conservation International, as part of the Blue Nature Alliance, to establish test cases in three target countries, and demonstrate the achievability of a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30 per cent of Earth’s land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030.

In addition, catalytic capital will be provided to help turn those financial plans into reality, helping to attract further financiers and investments.

“Biodiversity and habitats are declining faster than at any other time in human history,” Dr Forrest said. “Evidence shows that to secure healthy, productive and resilient ocean ecosystems, at least 30 per cent of land and sea needs to be safeguarded in conservation areas by 2030.”

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