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Genetic research

Innovative Approach to Assessing Aquatic Ecosystems Reveals Hidden Biodiversity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A pioneering study by researchers from the National Research and Innovation Agency has shed new light on the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in Indonesia. The project utilized a novel combination of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and local ecological knowledge (LEK) to identify a total of 51 fish species in eight coastal rivers in Java. The research highlights the importance of using a multi-disciplinary approach to monitor and conserve aquatic ecosystems, particularly in resource-limited regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study used eDNA metabarcoding to detect 32 fish species, while LEK surveys identified 30 species, with 22% of species detected by both methods.
  • The eDNA technique revealed 21 species not reported by fishers, while LEK surveys detected 18 species not detected by eDNA.
  • The combined approach improved biodiversity identification and monitoring, including the detection of aquatic species not recorded by fishermen.
  • The research concludes that the combined approach is valuable for guiding adaptive management strategies in resource-limited regions where traditional fisheries assessments are impractical.
  • The study recommends using the combined approach in situations where historical quantitative data are fragmentary, enabling targeted conservation efforts to protect ecologically significant and culturally important species.
  • The research was supported by the Food And Agriculture Organization and the Australian Centre For International Agricultural Research.

Statistics:

  • 51 fish species were identified in the study, including 32 detected through eDNA metabarcoding and 30 through LEK surveys.
  • 22% of species were detected by both eDNA and LEK surveys.
  • 21 species were detected by eDNA that were not reported by fishers.
  • 18 species were detected by LEK surveys that were not detected by eDNA.
  • The research was conducted in eight coastal rivers in Java, Indonesia.

Sources:

  • Utilizing environmental DNA metabarcoding and local ecological knowledge for fish biodiversity assessment in Rivers of Java, Indonesia. Knowledge and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems, 2025,0(426):17.
  • National Research and Innovation Agency
  • Food And Agriculture Organization
  • Australian Centre For International Agricultural Research

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