Tracing the intruders: a global appraisal of marine non-indigenous species detection through (e)DNA-based approaches
Duarte, S.; Costa, F.O. (2026). Tracing the intruders: a global appraisal of marine non-indigenous species detection through (e)DNA-based approaches. Biological Invasions 28(9): 191. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10530-026-03920-5
In: Biological Invasions. Springer: London. ISSN 1387-3547; e-ISSN 1573-1464, more
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| Author keywords |
Environmental DNA (eDNA) · Early detection · Coastal ecosystems · Marine biosecurity · Non-indigenous species monitoring |
| Abstract |
DNA-based approaches, including environmental DNA (eDNA) and bulk community metabarcoding—(e)DNA metabarcoding—as well as targeted approaches (e.g., qPCR) have emerged as powerful alternatives for biodiversity monitoring and biosecurity surveillance. However, no global synthesis has comprehensively evaluated the application of these tools for coastal non-indigenous species (NIS) detection. Here, we present the first global quantitative synthesis of DNA-based approaches for NIS surveillance in coastal ecosystems, based on 146 published studies using metabarcoding and targeted molecular assays, from 2010–2024. DNA metabarcoding was applied in 49% of studies, targeted molecular assays in 42%, and 10% combined both approaches. Across all studies, 752 NIS were detected, including Metazoa (464 species), Chromista (210), and Plantae (77). Frequently detected taxa included Dinophyceae, Teleostei, Polychaeta, Copepoda, Malacostraca, and Ascidiacea, with recurrent detections of globally widespread invaders such as Bugula neritina, Styela plicata, and Botryllus schlosseri. The mitochondrial COI gene was the most widely used marker, while 18S rRNA gene was commonly used to target broader eukaryotic diversity and the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene was primarily used for metazoan taxa. Water was the most analyzed sample type, followed by zooplankton and biofouling communities. Approximately 31% of detections represented new regional records, highlighting the strong potential of DNA-based approaches for early detection and biosecurity surveillance. Nevertheless, persistent geographic, taxonomic, and methodological biases remain, emphasizing the need for standardized multi-marker and multi-substrate surveillance frameworks to improve surveillance robustness and detection reliability. Overall, this study provides a global evidence base for the development of more standardized, reliable, and operational DNA-based surveillance frameworks to support coastal biosecurity, biodiversity monitoring, and early warning systems for marine biological invasions. |
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