Dr Michael Marnane1,2, Professor Simon Jarman2, Professor Fran Ackerman2, Dr Oliver Berry3, Professor Michael Bunce2,4, Dr Kathryn Dawkins2, Dr Elise Furlan5, Ms Sherralee Lukehurst2, Dr Justin McDonald6, Dr Xavier Pochon7, Dr Shaun Wilkinson8, Dr Anastasija Zaiko9, Professor Euan Harvey2
1Chevron Energy Technology Company, Perth, Australia, 2Curtin University, Bentley, Australia, 3CSIRO National Collections and Marine Infrastructure, Perth, Australia, 4University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand, 5University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia, 6Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, Australia, 7Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand, 8Wilderlab, Wellington, New Zealand, 9Seaquench Ltd, Nelson, New Zealand
Biography:
Dr Michael Marnane is a Senior Marine Ecologist, within Chevron’s corporate environment team, where he provides technical advice and leads science and innovation projects that improve operational efficiency and environmental performance across Chevon’s global operations. Michael leads Chevron’s Biodiversity Monitoring R&D Program where he collaborates with a range of research partners to develop novel biodiversity monitoring tools, including environmental DNA (eDNA) methods that can be applied at scale within industry. Michael also chairs the Environmental Genomics Joint Industry Program, which is a collaborative effort among global energy companies to accelerate the uptake and acceptance of eDNA within industry.
Abstract:
Invasive marine species (IMS) are one of the most damaging causes of global biodiversity loss. Early detection is a key approach to mitigating IMS risk. Environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental RNA (eRNA) analyses have emerged as valuable tools for sensitive, cost-effective and readily deployable detection of IMS. However, these tools are still evolving, so identifying the opportunities and limitations of current methods will help prioritise research and allow an aligned understanding of how these methods can be incorporated into policy. We conducted a horizon scan on the state of science, opportunities, limitations, and research and management priorities associated with eDNA/eRNA-based IMS detection. The horizon scan included a literature review, followed by consultation, to understand the opinions of marine ecosystem managers and researchers, within Australia and New Zealand, who were experts in IMS or eDNA/eRNA IMS detection methods.
Our analysis produced a list of priorities that chart a path towards a best-practice approach for IMS detection using eDNA/eRNA. The highest ranked research priorities were: 1. Develop management-relevant biological insights from IMS detection datasets, 2. Produce frameworks for robust sampling designs and statistical analyses for eDNA/eRNA-based IMS detections, and 3. Improve DNA barcode libraries. Top-ranking management priorities were: 1. Improve community empowerment and knowledge feedback using eDNA/eRNA tools, 2. Bridge the gap between science and policy, and 3. Educate policy makers, practitioners and the community on the strengths, weaknesses, and changing nature of eDNA/eRNA IMS detection. This priority list provides a focus for future effort and investment in eDNA/eRNA IMS detection methods.