Invited Speakers
The MOBeDNA conference brought together leading researchers in environmental DNA and biodiversity monitoring from across the Nordic region and beyond. Presentations covered molecular approaches to diet studies, metabarcoding, and marine species detection.
Robert Hanner
University of Guelph
eDNA standards and reference libraries for biodiversity monitoring
Ian Salter
Faroe Marine Research Institute
Marine eDNA dynamics in the North Atlantic
Christophe S. Pampoulie
Marine and Freshwater Institute, Iceland
MOBeDNA network coordination and marine biodiversity assessment
Stefano Mariani
Liverpool John Moores University
Molecular approaches to marine diet studies
Sissel Jentoft
University of Oslo
Genomic tools for marine biodiversity monitoring
Kim Præbel
The Arctic University of Norway
Freshwater eDNA applications in Arctic ecosystems
Owen S. Wangensteen
University of Barcelona
Metabarcoding pipelines for marine community analysis
Marine Cusa
University of Salford
eDNA for fisheries and seafood traceability
Pauline Urban
Matís, Iceland
Laboratory methods in environmental DNA research
Mia Cerfonteyn
Marine and Freshwater Institute, Iceland
Biodiversity monitoring in Icelandic waters
Clara Jegusse
University of Iceland
eDNA applications in marine conservation
Ragnhildur Guðmundsdóttir
Matís, Iceland
Microbial diversity assessment using eDNA
Conference Coordinators
Davíð Gíslason — Matís, Iceland
davidg@matisprojects.com
Christophe S. Pampoulie — Marine and Freshwater Institute, Iceland
MOBeDNA is a Nordic Council of Ministers funded research network on environmental DNA research. The network targets conservative issues in the marine environment related to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
The MOBeDNA network brings together researchers and stakeholders from across the Nordic region to advance the use of environmental DNA in marine conservation. By focusing on molecular monitoring techniques, the network supports the development of tools that can detect species presence, assess biodiversity, and track changes in marine ecosystems. This collaborative effort aligns closely with the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, helping member states meet their obligations for maintaining healthy and productive seas. Through workshops, conferences, and joint research initiatives, MOBeDNA strengthens the bridge between cutting-edge science and practical fisheries management, ensuring that conservation decisions are grounded in reliable, modern data.
Environmental DNA analysis represents a transformative approach to monitoring marine life, offering a non-invasive method for detecting organisms from water samples alone. The MOBeDNA network explores how these techniques can be applied to fisheries management, coastal zone planning, and the assessment of protected species. By standardising sampling protocols and validation methods across participating countries, the network helps build trust in eDNA results among regulators and industry stakeholders. This work is especially relevant for the Nordic region, where vast coastlines and rich fishing grounds demand efficient, cost-effective monitoring solutions that complement traditional survey methods and inspection practices.
The network's activities are supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers and involve partners from Iceland, Denmark, Greenland, Norway, and beyond. Regular meetings and knowledge exchange sessions facilitate the transfer of expertise between research institutions and the fishing sector, ensuring that scientific advances translate into practical management tools. Topics such as gear closures, bycatch registration, and the effectiveness of remote electronic monitoring are discussed alongside emerging eDNA methodologies. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the network's commitment to fostering cooperation across the entire value chain, from laboratory researchers to fisheries inspectors, all working toward the sustainable use of marine resources.