Monitoring biodiversity across locations and over time.
During implementation and operation, monitoring needs to produce comparable information grounded in context. A molecular approach can support specific questions in environmental studies.
Comparison requires more than repeating sample collection.
Environmental programs may monitor different areas and project stages. Interpreting differences requires consideration of the distribution of sampling locations, the conditions of each sampling campaign and the sampling effort.
The study should define which groups and environments are relevant to the question. Molecular monitoring in aquatic or terrestrial environments depends on suitable sample types and procedures.
What changes can the study design investigate?
The composition detected in samples can contribute to comparisons across locations or sampling campaigns when procedures and resolution are compatible. This information can complement monitoring series and field observations.
For groups of interest, the feasibility of the investigation depends on the approach and available references. Coverage of all organisms present in the environment is not assumed.
Connect sampling, analysis and monitoring.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) combined with metabarcoding can support questions about groups of organisms. Bioinformatics organizes data processing and the criteria used to compare data.
The need for another approach should arise from the study question. An analysis does not need to be added simply because it is available.
Environmental context accompanies every result.
Seasonality, sampling conditions, controls and protocol changes should be recorded. Different sampling campaigns are not automatically comparable, and introducing a new method requires assessing its relationship with the existing monitoring series.
Differences in detection do not directly equate to changes in abundance or effects of the development. Results need to be interpreted alongside conventional surveys and other environmental information.
Define the role of analysis in monitoring.
MetaGen can discuss the question, the suitability of sample types and the analytical scope with the study team. Planning considers the information needed and anticipated limitations.
Share the program stages, planned sampling campaigns, environments and existing data to guide the initial discussion.
What comparison needs to guide your monitoring?
Tell us about the project context, environment and the question you need to answer. An initial conversation helps define the approach and scope.