Interesting piece published in The Conservation

Freshwater ecosystems are the lifeblood of the natural world, yet they are facing a silent crisis. A 2022 report by the World Wildlife Fund revealed a staggering 83% decline in global freshwater vertebrate populations since 1970, a rate far exceeding that of any other habitat.

The level of degradation to nature is alarming, but ecosystems are complicated, as are the effects of human activity. So, the story is often more nuanced.

Our research shows how analysing environmental DNA (eDNA) – the DNA left behind by organisms in life and death – could unlock the secrets hidden within freshwater streams, rivers and lakes. This offers hope for a more efficient monitoring of these vital ecosystems.

While fish and birds usually grab the spotlight, freshwater biodiversity is a hidden metropolis teeming with lesser-known residents. Macroinvertebrates such as mayflies and midges, visible to the naked eye, play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. They have been monitored for decades and can give us a more representative view of how freshwater habitats are responding to human pressures.

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