MOBeDNA – Monitoring Biodiversity using eDNA

About the Network

Network Objectives

• Establish a collaborative network of eDNA specialists across Nordic countries and international partners.
• Target marine environmental monitoring challenges identified under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
• Promote knowledge exchange on molecular methods for biodiversity assessment in marine ecosystems.

Coordinators

The MOBeDNA network represents a vital collaboration across Nordic nations and their international partners, bringing together specialists in environmental DNA research to address pressing conservation challenges in marine environments. By focusing on molecular approaches to biodiversity monitoring, this initiative supports the objectives of broader marine strategy frameworks that seek to protect and restore ocean health. The network facilitates knowledge exchange between researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific methods inform practical fisheries management and conservation efforts. Through conferences, workshops, and collaborative projects, MOBeDNA strengthens the region's capacity to monitor marine ecosystems with precision and efficiency.

Environmental DNA technology offers transformative possibilities for the fishing and aquaculture sectors, enabling non-invasive monitoring of species presence, population dynamics, and ecosystem health. The network's work directly supports sustainable fisheries management by providing tools that can detect rare or commercially important species, identify spawning grounds, and monitor the effectiveness of gear closures and other regulatory measures. This molecular approach complements traditional fisheries inspection and control methods, adding a layer of biological insight that helps stakeholders make informed decisions about resource use. The collaboration between scientists and industry representatives ensures that research outputs remain relevant to real-world management challenges across the Nordic region.

The network's structure reflects a commitment to open cooperation and knowledge transfer, with funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers enabling participation from Iceland, Denmark, Greenland, Norway, and beyond. By connecting researchers with coastal communities, fisheries managers, and policy makers, MOBeDNA helps translate scientific advances into practical applications that benefit both marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. The initiative also explores opportunities for cooperation with Canadian and other international centres of innovation, broadening the impact of Nordic eDNA research. This collaborative approach strengthens the region's position as a leader in marine conservation and sustainable resource management.