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Open call for sampling sites!

We are looking for 25 ecologically significant marine sites to become part of the eDNA Expeditions project! This is a unique opportunity to develop local knowledge on biomolecular sampling, engage with your community, and unlock biomolecular knowledge on marine species at your site.

Apply now >

eDNA Expeditions is a project under the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO,
supported by Minderoo Foundation, led by OBIS, with the technical collaboration of WilderLabs.

eDNA Expeditions is a project endorsed
by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030.

The project

To establish a global biomolecular observatory for marine life, helping to better understand our Ocean.

The second phase of the eDNA Expeditions aims to build a global environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling network across 25 marine sites. The project includes capacity development in biomolecular sampling, the possibility to involve local communities in the sampling events, and a rapid information loop that brings results directly back to each site to support any monitoring, management, and conservation needs. All biomolecular data collected at participating sites will also be openly shared through OBIS.

How does it work?

Selected sites will receive full technical support to run repeated eDNA surveys over the three years of the project. OBIS will provide the sampling kits and online training to guide participants step-by-step. Sampling follows a protocol that allows anyone, from experts to non-scientists, to collect scientifically valid material.

All samples will be processed at a specialized biomolecular laboratory, which will generate site-specific curated species lists and biodiversity assessments. Analyses use a “tree-of-life” workflow capable of detecting biodiversity across domains, from microbes to megafauna.

From these outputs, the OBIS team will build an interactive dashboard, similar to the ones developed during Phase I, to help sites explore their results. Beyond the dashboard, OBIS will work jointly with participating sites to identify monitoring priorities and co-develop indicators that respond to local management and policy needs. All resulting data will be openly shared through OBIS in accordance with FAIR principles, contributing to advancing science and supporting policy at multiple scales.

Why participate

1. Access new biodiversity data from your site

Benefit from high-resolution eDNA results generated from your own sampling campaigns. The project analyses your samples and delivers back high-quality, ready-to-use biodiversity data, including detections of rare or invasive species, without the need for specialised equipment or biomolecular facilities at your site.

2. Strengthen monitoring and assessments at your site

Use your eDNA results to add a powerful new layer of biomolecular insights to your site’s monitoring activities. The data can highlight biodiversity patterns, flag unusual detections, and complement existing surveys, helping you refine management plans and contribute more confidently to local, national, and global biodiversity reporting.

3. Engage local communities and inspire young citizens

Our eDNA sampling process is simple, hands-on, and scientifically accurate. It is a unique way to involve schools, visitors, and local communities in acting concretely to protect and improve the knowledge of their marine environment.

Visualize the marine life observed at your site

eDNA provides a powerful and scalable way to capture the tree of life from just a few litres of seawater. This wheel maps eDNA samples taken from various sites around the port of Nice, France, in 2025.

Click here to view the wheel in high definition >

The file might take a moment to load!

What
you receive

✔️ eDNA sampling kits for your site
✔️ Sampling training and guidance
✔️ A dashboard to access your own results
✔️ Visibility as part of a global biomolecular observatory
✔️ Connection with the eDNA Expeditions community

What
you commit to

—> Participate for the duration of the project (3 years)
—> Organise 6 to 9 sampling campaigns over the project period
—> A commitment to follow our sampling protocol, including sending the samples after each campaign

Ask us anything! edna@ioc-unesco.org

Timeline

Q1 2026

Project Launch

eDNA Expeditions Phase II officially begins with the selection and onboarding of 25 marine sites worldwide. Initial training programs and equipment distribution to participating sites.

Q2 - Q3 2026

First Sampling Campaign

Marine sites begin their first eDNA sampling campaigns. Data collection protocols are established and initial biodiversity assessments are conducted across all participating locations.

Q4 2026 - Q2 2027

Data Integration & Analysis

Comprehensive data analysis begins with the integration of eDNA samples into the global OBIS database. Advanced bioinformatics pipelines process samples and generate actionable insights for marine conservation.

Q3 2027 - Q4 2028

Global Impact & Expansion

Results from the eDNA Expeditions are published and shared globally. The project demonstrates the power of standardized marine biodiversity monitoring and sets the foundation for future ocean observation initiatives.

Ready to join?
Propose your marine site!

Check the list below to assess if your site would be a good match for the eDNA Expeditions!

Become one of 25 marine sites taking part in a global effort to reveal and celebrate the hidden biodiversity of our ocean, and gain access to biomolecular insights from your site that can strengthen your own conservation work.

Your site is a good fit if:

✔️ It is a marine area with ecological, cultural, or conservation importance (MPA, biosphere reserve, marine World Heritage site, national reserve, etc.)
✔️ There is a team that can conduct simple, hands-on water sampling a few times a year (training and kits included)
✔️ You want to access biodiversity information that is otherwise difficult or costly to obtain, such as rare species detections, community composition, or early signs of change
✔️ You value public engagement, education, or outreach activities
✔️ It is ready to join a fantastic project to increase our global ocean knowledge!

Ready to join? Apply to become an eDNA Expeditions site ➜