Evaluation of fish biodiversity in estuaries using environmental DNA metabarcoding
Hyojin Ahn1,2, Manabu Kume1, Yuki Terashima1
1Connectivity of Hills, Humans and Oceans Unit, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Plos One
|October 6, 2020
Summary
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding revealed significant fish biodiversity differences across five Japanese estuaries. Human development levels strongly correlated with fish diversity, with less developed rivers supporting richer ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Biodiversity assessment is crucial for evaluating environmental health.
- Estuarine ecosystems are vital habitats influenced by various factors, including human development.
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offers a powerful tool for non-invasive biodiversity surveys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare fish biodiversity in five Japanese estuaries using eDNA metabarcoding.
- To assess the impact of varying degrees of human development on estuarine fish communities.
- To identify indicator species and understand species distribution patterns in relation to environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Collection of water samples from river mouths and adjacent coastal areas of five Japanese estuaries.
- Application of eDNA metabarcoding to identify fish species present in the samples.
- Analysis of species composition and diversity in relation to environmental parameters and human development levels.
Main Results:
- A total of 182 fish species from 67 families were detected across the five estuaries.
- Fish biodiversity was highest in the less developed Sendai River and lowest in the highly developed Tama River.
- Rare and endangered fish species were successfully detected, particularly in naturally rich river systems.
Conclusions:
- Estuarine fish biodiversity is significantly influenced by the degree of human development.
- eDNA metabarcoding is effective for detecting diverse and rare fish species, including endangered ones.
- Species composition varies among estuaries, reflecting fish distribution, migration, and local environmental conditions.
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