Bridging the gaps through environmental DNA: A review of critical considerations for interpreting the biodiversity data in coral reef ecosystems

Abstract

Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, are vital hotspots for marine biodiversity. However, the persistent challenge of climate change directly threatens the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems, impacting myriad species and critical ecosystem services. Therefore, this comprehensive review critically discusses the associated challenges in assessing and preserving coral reef diversity, emphasizing the need for novel biomonitoring techniques due to the elusive and cryptic nature of many reef organisms. The review focuses on environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis as a non-invasive tool for coral species monitoring at various ecological levels. The review highlights that using eDNA in coral reef monitoring requires careful consideration of multiple factors, such as strategic assay development, optimization, and marker selection, substrate selection, and sample volume, which are critical for maximizing the probability of species detection. Moreover, integrating environmental RNA (eRNA) provides additional insights into temporal aspects advancing the coral reef biodiversity research and conservation efforts.