What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to improve predictions of fish distribution and abundance using environmental DNA (eDNA) data in the Mediterranean.

eDNA signals improve local predictions of fish abundances in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems

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Randomized trial tests eDNA's impact on fish abundance predictions in marine ecosystems, suggesting improved conservation strategies.

This research aims to improve predictions of fish distribution and abundance using environmental DNA (eDNA) data in the Mediterranean.
Combined underwater visual census with eDNA fish sampling across the northwestern Mediterranean Sea.
Implemented joint Species Distribution Models (jSDMs) within the Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC) framework.
Compared predictive performance of models with and without eDNA information.
Including eDNA data improved model fit for 16 out of 26 species, including the endangered dusky grouper (HR not specified).
eDNA information contributed to one-third of the explained variance in species local abundances.
Models integrating eDNA data showed better accuracy in predicting site-attached and reef-associated fish abundances.

Coulon et al. (2026) studied this question.

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