Navigating uncertainty in environmental DNA detection of a nuisance marine macroalga

A novel environmental DNA (eDNA) assay demonstrates high sensitivity and reliability for detecting the nuisance marine macroalga Chondria tumulosa at low abundances, with detection probabilities of at least 92% at occupied sites in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The study validated the assay using site-occupancy modeling from quantitative PCR (qPCR) data and high-throughput sequencing, achieving false-positive rates of 3% or less and false-negative errors of 11% or less. This cost-effective tool enhances early detection capabilities for invasive species, supporting timely conservation interventions in shallow marine environments (< 10 m). The research addresses uncertainties in eDNA analyses, providing a robust framework for balancing molecular and visual detection methods in ecological monitoring.

Nichols, P. K., Fraiola, K. M. S., Sherwood, A. R., Hauk, B. B., Lopes, K. H., Davis, C. A., Fumo, J. T., Counsell, C. W. W., Williams, T. M., Spalding, H. L., & Marko, P. B. (2025). Navigating uncertainty in environmental DNA detection of a nuisance marine macroalga. Plos One, 20(2), e0318414. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318414