From fragments to impact: making eDNA data ready for ocean action
eDNA Expeditions 2026-2028 brings together expertise in marine biodiversity observations, biomolecular science, open data infrastructure, and global ocean coordination to support local action and increase global knowledge.
Powered by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO's Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS), supported by Minderoo Foundation, with the technical collaboration of Wilderlab, eDNA Expeditions connects marine sites, local teams, citizens, biodiversity experts, and data systems into a shared effort to amplify marine life observations.
Each partner supports a component of the framework, from scientific coordination, biodiversity data integration, as well as project implementation, to long-term funding, sampling kits and sequencing technologies.
A young boy manipulating a sample at Banc d'Arguin National Park, Mauritania during the first phase of the eDNA Expeditions. Photo: UNESCO / Cheikh Fall
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve our knowledge and apply that knowledge for the management of the ocean, coasts, and marine resources. The IOC enables its 153 Member States to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science, tsunami warning, and ocean literacy.
ioc.unesco.org >
IOC's Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) is coordinating and implementing eDNA Expeditions 2026–2028. OBIS supports each participating site throughout the entire project, from helping define the biodiversity questions that will drive the use of results, to training local teams in sampling protocols, co-designing data visualization dashboards, and supporting the interpretation of findings for local decision-making. OBIS is the largest global open-access data system providing high-quality data and services on marine biodiversity. It is also a vibrant community of 36 Nodes and 6,000+ contributors collaborating worldwide to improve our knowledge of ocean biodiversity.
obis.org >
Minderoo Foundation is the main funder of the eDNA Expeditions. It is an Australian philanthropic organization working across ocean research, health, and societal challenges to make the world a better place for all.
minderoo.org >
Wilderlab is an ISO17025-accredited eDNA service provider, and the technical partner of eDNA Expeditions 2026-2028. Wilderlab provides the project with sampling kits, and delivers cutting-edge metabarcoding and analysis to turn water samples into biodiversity insights.
wilderlab.co >