Environmental DNA Sampling from Whale-Watching Vessels for Cetacean Monitoring
April 10th, 2026
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This protocol describes a standardized workflow for collecting cetacean environmental DNA (eDNA) samples from whale-watching vessels. Feasibility for researchers and trained citizen scientists is prioritized, while environmental conditions, filtration time, turbidity, and onboard logistics define the practical limits of its application.
Overview
This article presents a standardized protocol for collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from cetaceans using whale-watching vessels. The workflow is designed for both researchers and trained citizen scientists, enabling non-invasive monitoring of cetacean biodiversity across diverse marine environments. The protocol emphasizes operational feasibility, reproducibility, and cross-regional comparability in marine biodiversity studies.
Key Study Components
Area of Science
- Marine biology
- Molecular ecology
- Conservation genetics
Background
- eDNA provides a non-invasive method for monitoring marine species, including cetaceans.
- Standardized and practical sampling workflows are needed for widespread adoption from operational platforms.
- Whale-watching vessels offer a unique opportunity for broad-scale eDNA collection.
- Ensuring data quality and comparability requires robust protocols and contamination control.
Purpose of Study
- To develop and describe a practical protocol for cetacean eDNA collection from whale-watching vessels.
- To enable implementation by both researchers and trained citizen scientists.
- To support reproducible and comparable eDNA-based monitoring across regions.
Methods Used
- Targeted seawater collection at cetacean flukeprints.
- Onboard filtration using self-preserving filters.
- Downstream molecular analysis, including a species-specific quantitative PCR assay for humpback whale mitochondrial DNA.
- Field implementation in 2024 across Iceland, Portugal, and Italy, covering multiple cetacean taxa.
Main Results
- The protocol was successfully implemented in three North Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.
- Consistent detection rates of humpback whale eDNA were achieved under varying environmental and logistical conditions.
- The workflow proved feasible for both researchers and trained citizen scientists.
- Contamination control and practical guidance supported reliable data generation.
Conclusions
- This protocol enables operationally feasible, reproducible cetacean eDNA monitoring from whale-watching vessels.
- It facilitates cross-regional comparability in marine biodiversity studies.
- The approach supports broader adoption of eDNA methods in marine conservation and research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is environmental DNA (eDNA) and why is it important for cetacean monitoring?
eDNA refers to genetic material shed by organisms into their environment. It enables non-invasive detection and monitoring of species, making it valuable for studying elusive or protected marine mammals like cetaceans.
How does the described protocol improve eDNA sampling from whale-watching vessels?
The protocol standardizes seawater collection, filtration, and molecular analysis, ensuring operational feasibility and reproducibility for both researchers and trained citizen scientists.
What regions and species were targeted in the field implementation?
Field campaigns were conducted in Iceland, Portugal, and Italy, targeting multiple cetacean taxa, with a focus on humpback whale detection using a species-specific qPCR assay.
How is contamination controlled during eDNA sampling?
The protocol includes practical guidance for contamination control, such as using self-preserving filters and defined sampling workflows, to ensure reliable results.
Can this protocol be used by citizen scientists?
Yes, the workflow is designed for implementation by trained citizen scientists as well as researchers, broadening participation in marine biodiversity monitoring.
What are the main benefits of using this protocol for marine biodiversity studies?
It enables reproducible, cross-regional eDNA data collection, supporting large-scale, non-invasive monitoring of cetacean populations and facilitating marine conservation efforts.
