What a Seawater Sample Can Tell Scientists About Ocean Health By Kizito Makoye Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -

What a Seawater Sample Can Tell Scientists About Ocean Health By Kizito Makoye UNESCO is growing its environmental DNA, or eDNA, expedition programme. This ambitious and cost-effective project can give usable ocean data in a couple of weeks using a small number of seawater samples collected by citizen scientists DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, Oct 22 2026 (IPS) - A fishing boat’s catch tells only part of the story of the waters around World Heritage sites. Species that escape the net, shelter inside reefs or pass through deeper channels can go unrecorded, leaving communities and conservation officials with an incomplete picture of the marine life supporting coastal livelihoods. A sample of seawater could help fill those gaps. Fish and other organisms leave genetic material in their surroundings, allowing scientists to identify species that might otherwise go unnoticed. https://www.ipsnews.net/2026/10/what-a-seawater-sample-can-tell-scientists-about-ocean-health/ Copyright © 2026 IPS-Inter Press Service. All rights reserved. -