The challenge of implementing eDNA metabarcoding to detect elasmobranchs in a resource-limited MPA.

Elasmobranchs are threatened and eDNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool that can help efforts to better understand and conserve them. Nevertheless, the inter-calibration between optimal methodological practices and its implementation in resource-limited situations is still an issue. Based on promising results from recent studies, we applied a cost-effective protocol with parameters that could be easily replicated by any conservationist. However, our results with fewer elasmobranchs detected than expected reveal that endorsed primers and sampling strategies still require further optimization, especially for applications in resource-limited conservation programmes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.