eDNAqua-Plan Deliverable 8: Report on eDNA data workflows

This report contains an inventory of the workflows used in aquatic eDNA-based biodiversity monitoring in Europe. The inventory is based on manual research of guidelines and standards, manual search of reports from commissioned eDNA-based biomonitoring, the questionnaire survey developed within this work package, and automated collection of metadata from BioSamples in INSCD databases. The conclusions highlight the need for standardized workflows and metadata requirements to support the scalability of eDNA monitoring in Europe and to ensure data adheres to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). Metadata and Data Storage: Current practices for storing European eDNA-related data in databases like BioSamples, GBIF, and OBIS were reviewed. Data from commissioned eDNA biomonitoring is seldom stored in publicly accessible databases. Written reports from smaller consultancy companies are often not public, and if they are, they lack bibliographic indexes. Compilation of metadata from European samples stored in the public databases showed that metadata is often incomplete, particularly in terms of sampling protocols and DNA extraction methods. Geographic data is often not in a standardized format. The lack of standardized metadata hampers data reusability. The report identifies several critical gaps, including: Limited accessibility to national protocols published only in local languages. Inconsistent submission of eDNA data to repositories, leading to difficulties in finding and using this information. The need for harmonized standards to ensure comparability across datasets from different regions and institutions. Recommendations: The document stresses the importance of promoting open access to national monitoring protocols and international cooperation on standard development. It suggests exploring whether submission of eDNA data to repositories can be mandated, and highlights a need for incentives for proper documentation and metadata compliance.