Translation from Research to Management: Optimising eDNA as a monitoring tool for the Crown of Thorns Seastar

Updated: 2026-08-28

Early warning, environmental DNA (eDNA) has the sensitivity required for low-density CoTS monitoring. This publication describes optimisation and understanding of operationally important factors including eDNA capture efficiency, preservation stability and sampling timing are required. This metadata record includes all data utilised for this publication. Membrane filter type and preservation testing. Water samples collected from tanks holding CoTS at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, SeaSim and filtered through different membrane filters to determine the best eDNA capture medium. eDNA captured on membrane filters were preserved via dessication and lysis buffer to determine optimal storage stability. Qiagen Blood and Tissue method was used to extract eDNA from membrane filters and a published digital droplet PCR method specific for Crown of Thorns Seastar (CoTS) was used to analyse extracted eDNA (see references in manuscript). eDNA collection during CoTS spawning season Winter and summer eDNA samples were collected from Davies Reef, Bindal Sea Country, near Townsville, Queensland, Australia over 3 years using MCE 1.2um membrane filters. Collections were from the 3 sites (same sites each year) and 12 replicates per site were collected. eDNA captured on membrane filters were preserved in lysis buffer. Qiagen Blood and Tissue method was used to extract eDNA from membrane filters and a published digital droplet PCR method specific for Crown of Thorns Seastar (CoTS) was used to analyse extracted eDNA (see references in manuscript). Case study: Joint Field Management Program - eDNA collection and analysis from low density CoTS locations. Optimised eDNA samples collection and preservation protocols utilised to train a third party, in this case staff from the Joint Field Management Program (JFMP), a partnership between the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australia and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The JFMP conducted eDNA collections for CoTS monitoring alongside their routine marine monitoring activities. eDNA captured on membrane filters were preserved in lysis buffer. Qiagen Blood and Tissue method was used to extract eDNA from membrane filters and a published digital droplet PCR method specific for Crown of Thorns Seastar (CoTS) was used to analyse extracted eDNA (see references in manuscript). A total of eight reefs were monitored in November 2023 in reefs in Ngaro Sea Country, Whitsunday region, Queensland, Australia. Results demonstrated some the reefs were eDNA samples were collected may have concerning populations of CoTS.