Marine biodiversity monitoring

Problem addressed

Traditional biological sampling methods — such as nets, diving or direct observation — can be costly, invasive and ineffective for detecting certain species, particularly those that are rare, at the larval stage or difficult to detect using conventional methods. This limits our ability to properly assess and monitor marine biodiversity, with implications for environmental planning, conservation and climate change adaptation. More sensitive and efficient tools are therefore needed, tailored to real-world management needs.

What we do and how we do it

AZTI provides a comprehensive environmental DNA (eDNA) biodiversity monitoring service, tailored to the specific objectives of each end user. The service covers the entire process:

• Understanding the end user’s needs.
• Sampling design tailored to the objective, including the area, target species, timing and habitat.
• Collection of environmental samples (water and sediment) using protocols adapted to each specific need.
• Laboratory analysis, including DNA extraction and the application of assays for community analysis (metabarcoding) or the detection and quantification of target species using digital PCR (dPCR) or quantitative PCR (qPCR).
• Bioinformatic processing, including quality control, taxonomic identification and diversity assessment.
• Ecological interpretation of results, using indicators and visualisations tailored to management needs.
• Knowledge transfer to end users — including managers and companies — through clear technical reports, tailored advice and the delivery of actionable data to support plans and decision-making.

Key benefits

• Accurate, non-invasive detection and quantification of biodiversity, including rare species and those that are difficult to observe.
• Broad coverage of biological groups — including plankton, macroinvertebrates, fish, sharks and marine mammals — from a single sample.
• Reduced costs and processing times compared with traditional methods.
• Solutions tailored to the needs of each sector.
• Practical, actionable results for environmental monitoring, restoration, conservation, climate change adaptation and the monitoring of non-native species.
• Methods aligned with European legislation and policy frameworks, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
• Proven expertise: AZTI covers every stage of the process, from study design and genetic analysis to the delivery of meaningful information for managers.