First application of environmental eDNA for detecting the presence of the European eel [Anguilla anguilla, (Linnaeus, 1758)] in the Adriatic, as a basis for conservation remarks


Published: Jun 29, 2023
Keywords:
eel Anguilla Environmental monitoring Mediterranean region environmental dna conservation genetics
MATEJ VUCIĆ
DUSAN JELIĆ
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2790-1522
GORAN KLOBUČAR
ŽELJKO PAVLINEC
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7128-4280
FEITOUMATT LEMATT GHRIB
MATEA JARAK
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5246-0111
THOMAS BAUDRY
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5699-6837
ANA GALOV
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3709-7286
Abstract

Anguilla anguilla, the European eel, is an important species for aquaculture and fisheries. Its population has dropped dramatically in recent decades, reaching an all-time low. As a result, it has been listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species since 2007. Therefore, constant population monitoring is essential to ensure the survival of this iconic species. Glass eel recruitment is declining worldwide, including the populations in the Mediterranean region. Despite the negative impact of man-made activities in Mediterranean coastal waters over the past few decades, data on spawning biomass escaping from the Mediterranean highlights the region’s importance for the global eel supply. Eel research and monitoring is done using conventional techniques, which have certain drawbacks. Therefore, the use of molecular-based detection as a credible choice for monitoring species in aquatic ecosystems was recently shown to be an effective management plan alternative. We present the first use of environmental DNA for monitoring eel populations in the Adriatic Sea and in the complex Dinaric karst freshwater ecosystem. The method has been demonstrated to be accurate and useful for detecting the presence of A. anguilla eDNA and identifying conservation areas. This is also the first study investigating the range and presence of the European eel in the Adriatic and in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as in underground karst systems, springs, and in the karst poljes of the Eastern Adriatic coast.

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Author Biographies
GORAN KLOBUČAR, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zagreb, Croatia

Full professor, Department of Biology, Division of Zoology

ANA GALOV, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Zagreb, Croatia

Professor, Department of Biology, Division of Animal physiology

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