Community Science Initiatives Utilizing Environmental DNA

The technology that utilizes environmental DNA (eDNA), which refers to DNA released by organisms into the environment, has rapidly advanced as a powerful tool for evaluating biodiversity within a targeted ecosystem. eDNA surveys involve minimal fieldwork, enabling collaboration with academia, nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and companies to conduct surveys at various locations and frequent intervals. In this chapter, we explore biodiversity monitoring using eDNA metabarcoding within the framework of community science. Initially, we introduce ANEMONE, an eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring network that has laid the groundwork for eDNA-based community science in Japan. Then, we highlight several examples of cooperative eDNA surveys carried out with collaborators, including volunteers, governments, residents, shipping companies, and nature enthusiasts. We present the outcomes of implementing the ANEMONE framework. Finally, we delve into the potential future direction of biodiversity monitoring in conjunction with community science and its possible contributions to scientific advancement, industry, and addressing societal issues. We stress the crucial and significant role of community science-based eDNA monitoring in future ecosystem conservation through various means, as well as its potential to empower local communities by providing valuable ecosystem information.