Framing Cutting-Edge Integrative Deep-Sea Biodiversity Monitoring via Environmental DNA and Optoacoustic Augmented Infrastructures

Deep-sea ecosystems are reservoirs of biodiversity that are largely unexplored, but their exploration and biodiscovery are becoming a reality thanks to biotechnological advances (e.g., omics technologies) and their integration in an expanding network of marine infrastructures for the exploration of the seas, such as cabled observatories. While still in its infancy, the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding approaches is revolutionizing marine biodiversity monitoring capability. Indeed, the analysis of eDNA in conjunction with the collection of multidisciplinary optoacoustic and environmental data, can provide a more comprehensive monitoring of deep-sea biodiversity. Here, we describe the potential for acquiring eDNA as a core component for the expanding ecological monitoring capabilities through cabled observatories and their docked Internet Operated Vehicles (IOVs), such as crawlers. Furthermore, we provide a critical overview of four areas of development: (i) Integrating eDNA with optoacoustic imaging; (ii) Development of eDNA repositories and cross-linking with other biodiversity databases; (iii) Artificial Intelligence for eDNA analyses and integration with imaging data; and (iv) Benefits of eDNA augmented observatories for the conservation and sustainable management of deep-sea biodiversity. Finally, we discuss the technical limitations and recommendations for future eDNA monitoring of the deep-sea. It is hoped that this review will frame the future direction of an exciting journey of biodiscovery in remote and yet vulnerable areas of our planet, with the overall aim to understand deep-sea biodiversity and hence manage and protect vital marine resources.

Legal regulation of information on soils

The issue of legal regulation of information support on soils is considered. The characteristics of large-scale soil studies in Ukraine, which were conducted during 1957–1961, are given. The reasons for the inconsistency of the available information on the structure and condition of the soil cover are established. It is substantiated that the data of environmental impact assessments of ecological monitoring, soil survey, cadastral documentation, etc. can be sources of ecological information. Based on the legal analysis, it was concluded that the draft law of Ukraine «On Soil Conservation and Protection of Fertility» should establish that documented information on soil condition and ongoing soil protection measures should be open, publicly available, as it is public interest, except for information that is included in the category of information with limited access. Keywords: land, soil, soil cover, land use, soil protection, soil information, soil survey, monitoring, cadastral documentation

Ecomonitoring of water protected natural areas of the Ulyanovsk region on the example of the Yulovsky pond

The Ulyanovsk region is rich in water natural monuments, and the Yulovsky pond is one of the oldest. At the same time, there is no generally accepted methodology for conducting environmental monitoring for protected water bodies. We propose one of the options for the methodology for assessing the anthropogenic load on protected water bodies in order to optimize the protection regime of these territories. Key words: Yulovsky pond, ecological monitoring, specially protected natural area, chemical analysis of water, analysis of vegetation.

Environmental Assessment of Relationships and Mutual Influences in the System “Protective Forest Plantations – Anthropogenic Landscapes”

Protective forest plantations (PFP) play an essential functional role in the operation of anthropogenic landscapes (AL). A study of processes in the system “PFP-AL” was conducted in the Boguslav agroforestry state, Kyiv region, Ukraine, to maintain sustainability. A method of ecological monitoring has been proposed to achieve environmental equilibrium stability. The calculations show the stable state of the ecosystem. A graphic-analytical method for quantitative assessment of the potential adverse effects of natural resource management has been proposed. It is shown that additional compensation of adverse effects is necessary, which can be performed by green structures.

Javan langur responses to the repeated exposure of ground survey and novel stimulus, unmanned aerial vehicles

The use of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs; a.k.a “drones”) for ecological monitoring, conservation campaign, and management is increasing enormously. UAVs operate at low altitudes (<150 m) and in any terrain; thus, they are susceptible to interact with local fauna, generating a new type of anthropogenic disturbance that has not been systematically evaluated. Both policy-makers and practitioners require data about the potential impacts of UAVs on natural biota, but few studies exist. The research aims to compare behavioral responses from ground-based surveys vs. UAVs flights. Moreover, we conducted two experiments of UAVs overflights, specifically aiming to assess the responses of Trachypithecus auratus. Between January and March 2021, we conducted 24 UAVs flight approaches and 12 ground surveys at Mount Halimun-Salak National Park, Indonesia. We applied generalized linear mixed-effects models and Kruskal-Wallis tests to 364 behavioral scores obtained from two independent observers. When directly compared, the detection time was higher using UAVs (χ2 = 38.50; df= 1; p < 0.050), and behavioral responses by Javan langur to UAVs overflights at > 30 m were different from responses to ground surveys were more intense. Finally, we suggest data-driven best practices for UAVs use and the design of future UAVs-wildlife response studies.