Environmental Studies and Forestry

Environmental DNA identifies coastal plant community shift 1,000 years ago in Torrens Island, South Australia

N. R. Foster, A. R. Jones, et al.

Discover how anthropogenic activities have transformed coastal ecosystems over 4,000 years in South Australia. A groundbreaking study by esteemed authors, including Nicole R. Foster and Alice R. Jones, leverages innovative environmental DNA analysis to reveal a significant shift from seagrass to mangrove habitats, highlighting strategies for ecosystem protection and restoration.

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Abstract

Anthropogenic activities are causing detrimental changes to coastal plants—namely seagrass, mangrove, and tidal marshes. This study develops a high-resolution multi-proxy approach combining environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis with soil chemical analysis to reconstruct 4,000 years of change at a temperate wetland on Torrens Island, South Australia. Results identify an ecosystem shift around 1000 years ago from a subtidal seagrass system to the present-day intertidal mangrove environment. The high-resolution historical changes in coastal vegetation demonstrate the potential of this approach for protecting, conserving, and restoring vegetated ecosystems.

Publisher

Communications Earth & Environment

Published On

Mar 06, 2024

Authors

Nicole R. Foster, Alice R. Jones, Oscar Serrano, Anna Lafratta, Paul S. Lavery, Kor-jent van Dijk, Ed Biffin, Bronwyn M. Gillanders, Jennifer Young, Pere Masque, Patricia S. Gadd, Geraldine E. Jacobsen, Atun Zawadzki, Andria Greene, Michelle Waycott

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