Macro Aquatic Fauna of the Seomjin River Estuary from the eDNA Analysis

Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is traces of various organisms left in soil, sea water, fresh water, or even air. It is analyzed by metabarcoding based on the high-throughput DNA sequencing methods. We tried to detect the macro aquatic fauna of the Seomjin river estuary without artificial dike. eDNA samples of Seomjin river estuary from May to August was analyzed by metabarcoding. Animal species detected was 74 species (fish, 26 species invertebrate, 48 species) composed of fresh water and oceanic species. Its macro aquactic fauna was divided into three groups according to salinity: fresh water species, migrant species, and oceanic species. For finding macro aquatic animals, eDNA analysis do not need any sacrifice of macro invertebrates and fishes. Therefore, the eDNA would be a useful tracer for monitoring protected species and biodiversitye Seomjin river estuary without artificial dike. eDNA samples of Seomjin river estuary from May to August was analyzed by metabarcoding. Animal species detected was 74 species (fish, 26 species invertebrate, 48 species) composed of fresh water and oceanic species. Its macro aquactic fauna was divided into three groups according to salinity: fresh water species, migrant species, and oceanic species. For finding macro aquatic animals, eDNA analysis do not need any sacrifice of macro invertebrates and fishes. Therefore, the eDNA would be a useful tracer for monitoring protected species and biodiversity