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In natuurvriendelijke oevers (NVO’s) ontstaat in het begin vaak een diverse vegetatie. Maar wat voor planten groeien er na enkele jaren en wat is de natuurwaarde ervan? Welke vissen en andere waterdieren leven er? En wat is de invloed op de waterkwaliteit? Natuurorganisaties FLORON en RAVON doen samen met de WUR een landelijk onderzoek naar nut en noodzaak van natuurvriendelijke oevers.

In natuurvriendelijke oevers (NVO’s) ontstaat in het begin vaak een diverse vegetatie. Maar wat voor planten groeien er na enkele jaren en wat is de natuurwaarde ervan? Welke vissen en andere waterdieren leven er? En wat is de invloed op de waterkwaliteit? Natuurorganisaties FLORON en RAVON doen samen met de WUR een landelijk onderzoek naar nut en noodzaak van natuurvriendelijke oevers.

Rapid, early, and reliable detection of invasive pathogenic microorganisms is essential in order to either predict or delineate an outbreak, and monitor appropriate mitigation measures. The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans is expanding in Europe, and infection with this fungus may cause massive mortality in urodelans (salamanders and newts). In this study, we designed and validated species‐specific primers and a probe for detection of B. salamandrivorans in water. In a garden pond in close proximity to the B. salamandrivorans index site in the Netherlands, B. salamandrivorans‐infected newts had been detected in 2015 and have been monitored since. In 2016 and 2017, no B. salamandrivorans was detected at this site, but in 2018 B. salamandrivorans flared up in this isolated pond which allowed validation of the technique in situ. We here present the development of an environmental DNA technique that successfully detects B. salamandrivorans DNA in natural waterbodies even at low concentrations. This technique may be further validated to play a role in B. salamandrivorans range delineation and surveillance in both natural waterbodies and in captive collections.

Species detection using environmental DNA (eDNA) has tremendous potential for contributing to the understanding of the ecology and conservation of aquatic species. Detecting species using eDNA methods, rather than directly sampling the organisms, can reduce impacts on sensitive species and increase the power of field surveys for rare and elusive species. The sensitivity of eDNA methods, however, requires a heightened awareness and attention to quality assurance and quality control protocols. Additionally, the interpretation of eDNA data demands careful consideration of multiple factors. As eDNA methods have grown in application, diverse approaches have been implemented to address these issues. With interest in eDNA continuing to expand, supportive guidelines for undertaking eDNA studies are greatly needed. Environmental DNA researchers from around the world have collaborated to produce this set of guidelines and considerations for implementing eDNA methods to detect aquatic macroorganisms. Critical considerations for study design include preventing contamination in the field and the laboratory, choosing appropriate sample analysis methods, validating assays, testing for sample inhibition and following minimum reporting guidelines. Critical considerations for inference include temporal and spatial processes, limits of correlation of eDNA with abundance, uncertainty of positive and negative results, and potential sources of allochthonous DNA. We present a synthesis of knowledge at this stage for application of this new and powerful detection method., Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 7 (11), ISSN:2041-210X, ISSN:2041-2096