Taking eDNA underground: transforming assessment of subterranean ecosystems

本项目旨在通过制定严格、可信和切实可行的环境DNA评估框架，改进对地下生态系统的环境影响评估和监测。根据环境保护法，西澳大利亚州的资源公司被授权评估地下水的生物多样性。目前的调查耗时（昂贵），而且偏向于常见的分类群。对于参与该项目的监管机构、利益相关者和行业，我们将通过对物种边界模式的理解和对地下动物的探测方面的创新，提供真实世界的信息并节省成本。研究结果将直接适用于监测整个澳大利亚和国际上的地下生态系统。

This project aims to improve Environmental Impact Assessment and monitoring of subterranean ecosystems by developing a rigorous, credible and practicable environmental DNA assessment framework. Resource companies in Western Australia are mandated to assess groundwater biodiversity under Environmental Protection legislation. Current surveys are time-consuming (expensive) and biased toward common taxa. For regulators, stakeholders and industry involved in this project we will provide real-world information and cost savings through innovation in understanding patterns in species boundaries and detection of subterranean fauna. The outcomes will be directly applicable to monitoring subterranean ecosystems across Australia and internationally.