An ecosystem monitoring project in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, has passed expert review, introducing an integrated model combining environmental DNA (eDNA) technology with traditional methods to assess local biodiversity.

Compared with conventional approaches, eDNA technology offers higher sensitivity and broader coverage, enabling researchers to detect hidden and rare species more effectively and improving both the efficiency and accuracy of marine monitoring.

During one survey, the project identified 494 species of phytoplankton, 579 species of zooplankton, 306 species of macrobenthos, and 113 fish species, exceeding results typically achieved through single-method approaches.

The project also detected nine rare species listed in the RedList of China's Biodiversity, including the Chinese sturgeon, East Asian finless porpoise, and Chinese horseshoe crab. These findings provide a more complete record of marine biodiversity in the area, offering key data for conservation and management.

The integrated monitoring model is expected to be expanded across Zhoushan waters this year, supporting the development of a more precise monitoring system.