The Unseen Trail to Conservation
Imagine being able to detect the presence of one of the world's most elusive marine mammals without ever catching a glimpse of it. This isn't science fiction—it's the reality of modern conservation, where volunteers armed with water samples are helping to rewrite the future of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the planet's most endangered marine mammals, with only an estimated 815 to 997 individuals remaining 1 .
These seals face relentless threats from habitat loss, human disturbance, and fishing conflicts, forcing them to retreat to remote marine caves 1 .
Fortunately, a revolutionary approach combining environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis with citizen science is turning the tide for monk seal conservation, offering new hope through the genetic traces these elusive creatures leave behind.
Every living organism constantly sheds invisible traces of itself into the environment—skin cells, mucus, waste, or other biological materials. This genetic material floating in the environment is known as environmental DNA (eDNA) .
When scientists collect water samples from the ocean, they can extract these genetic traces and analyze them to determine which species have been present in the area. It's like nature's own guestbook, recording every visitor through the DNA they leave behind 2 . For endangered species like the Mediterranean monk seal that are difficult to spot directly, eDNA technology provides a non-invasive and highly sensitive method to confirm their presence without disturbance .
Genetic material collected from environmental samples
Water samples are collected from potential seal habitats
Water is filtered to capture genetic material
DNA is extracted from the filter in the laboratory
Genetic analysis identifies species present in the sample
In 2022, a pioneering study launched in the Southern Adriatic and Northern Ionian Seas aimed to validate whether citizen science could reliably collect eDNA data for monk seal monitoring 1 . This was part of the broader Care4Seals project and Spot the Monk campaign involving the University of Milan Bicocca and Gruppo Foca Monaca APS 1 .
Equipped with a novel, citizen-friendly filtration system called the WET (Water eDNA Trap), volunteers followed a precise protocol 1 :
| Step | Process | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water Collection: Using bilge pumps, volunteers collected 12 liters of surface water at each sampling location, storing it in disposable Bag-in-Box containers 1 . | Bilge pumps, Bag-in-Box containers |
| 2 | Filtration: Back on land, they used the manual WET system to filter the water through 0.45 μm pore cellulose nitrate filter membranes 1 . Unlike traditional vacuum pumps that use negative pressure, the WET system uses positive pressure from a manual pump 1 . | WET system, filter membranes |
| 3 | Sample Preservation: The filter membranes, now containing any trapped eDNA, were properly stored for analysis by professional scientists 1 . | Storage containers |
| 4 | Contamination Prevention: Volunteers sterilized equipment with a 10% bleach solution between samples and rinsed thoroughly with seawater before each new collection 1 . | Bleach solution (10%) |
| Equipment | Function | Citizen-Science Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Bag-in-Boxes Containers | Collect and transport 12L of seawater | Disposable and easy to use in the field 1 |
| Bilge Pumps | Move water from sea to containers | Reusable after proper sterilization 1 |
| WET (Water eDNA Trap) System | Filter water to capture eDNA | Manual pump, no electricity needed 1 |
| Cellulose Nitrate Filter Membranes | Trap genetic material from water | 0.45 μm pore size, changed between samples 1 |
| Bleach Solution (10%) | Sterilize equipment between uses | Prevents cross-contamination between samples 1 |
The findings from this citizen science initiative demonstrated success on both scientific and social fronts.
of samples tested positive for monk seal DNA—a significant achievement in these low-density areas .
| Method | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Surveys | Direct observation, behavior data | Limited to surface sightings, weather-dependent |
| Camera Traps | Capture behavior and individual identification | Limited to specific terrestrial locations |
| eDNA Analysis | Non-invasive, high sensitivity, doesn't require sighting | Cannot identify individuals or provide population counts 1 |
| Citizen Science eDNA | Wide coverage, cost-effective, community engagement | Requires training, potential for user error 1 |
Perhaps equally impressive were the social outcomes measured through participant questionnaires 1 .
increase in perceived knowledge about monk seals
increase in knowledge about eDNA technology
increase in community-focused conservation behaviors
| Impact Area | Before Participation | After Participation | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perceived Knowledge | Limited understanding of monk seals/eDNA | High understanding of biology and technology | +92% |
| eDNA-specific Knowledge | Basic or no knowledge of eDNA | Detailed understanding of methods | +225% |
| Community Engagement | Rarely discussed conservation | Frequently shared knowledge | +20% |
| Environmental Attitudes | Concerned but less empowered | Confident in contributing to conservation 1 | Significantly more positive 1 |
The success of this monk seal monitoring project highlights a broader trend in conservation: the powerful synergy between professional science and community engagement. Similar eDNA initiatives are emerging globally, with startups like NatureMetrics in the UK and VigiDNA in France making the technology more accessible 2 .
Innovative programs like Polarquest's Fleet4Science are expanding these efforts by mobilizing networks of sailing vessels to collect eDNA samples across wider marine areas, including remote locations that would otherwise be difficult to monitor .
"eDNA is giving us a superpower—the ability to detect life we can't see, hear, or trap. It's like suddenly gaining access to a whole new sense" 2 .
The story of the Mediterranean monk seal's conservation is still being written. Through the combined efforts of scientists and citizens, eDNA monitoring represents more than just a technical advancement—it's a bridge between communities and conservation, offering both critical data for protecting this endangered species and fostering the human empathy necessary for long-term coexistence.
As the Spot the Monk campaign continues, anyone with access to the sea and a passion for conservation can potentially contribute. Every water sample contains not just genetic traces of elusive marine life, but also the promise of a future where technology and collective action preserve our planet's precious biodiversity.