Understanding practical barriers to the global adoption of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods, tools, and standards

OBJECTIVE: Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a rapidly emerging data source with the potential to support environmental monitoring and biodiversity conservation around the world. Current efforts to standardize eDNA methods and reporting are aimed at strengthening credibility and supporting adoption. In doing this, however, researchers must be mindful of diverse capacities and ecological contexts both regionally and around the world. The objective of our research is to understand how international standards for eDNA may support or hinder the uptake of eDNA methods and tools for conservation and biodiversity work. This was accomplished through two interactive workshops that brought together eDNA researchers and practitioners from around the world to surface broad and specific barriers to uptake of eDNA methods and tools. RESULTS: The most prevalent concern across all stages of the workflow was affordability. Workshop participants found the sampling and bioinformatics workflow stages to be the largest barriers. Participants also identified substantial hurdles: (1) the need for more clarity around eDNA methods and appropriate applications and protocols, (2) lack of access to suitable laboratories, (3) the need for different standards for diverse systems, species, and locations, and (4) the lack of trained experts in bioinformatics.