Research by a South East Technological University (SETU) academic has contributed to a landmark international study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, providing new insights into how climate and human activity are shaping freshwater fish biodiversity in river ecosystems worldwide.
Dr Deirdre Gleeson, Senior Lecturer and research scientist in the Department of Applied Sciences at SETU, was part of the international research team whose study combined environmental DNA (eDNA) data from 113 river catchments across five continents, analysing almost 2,000 freshwater sampling sites. The research represents one of the largest global syntheses of freshwater biodiversity ever undertaken using environmental DNA.
Led by Professor Florian Altermatt of the University of Zurich and Professor Xiaowei Zhang of Yunnan University, the study found that river catchments in warmer climates generally support greater fish biodiversity. However, this relationship becomes significantly weaker in areas experiencing higher levels of human pressure, demonstrating how climate and human activity interact to influence freshwater ecosystems worldwide.
Dr Gleeson contributed Australian river datasets to the project, drawing on her expertise in environmental DNA, freshwater ecology and biodiversity monitoring. The knowledge and international collaborations developed through the study are now strengthening environmental DNA research and teaching at SETU, with applications in biodiversity monitoring, environmental assessment and conservation.
Explaining the significance of the research, Dr Gleeson said, "Environmental DNA has transformed how we monitor biodiversity. Rather than capturing fish directly, we analyse DNA released naturally into the water, allowing us to identify species rapidly and non-invasively across entire river systems.
By combining datasets collected by researchers around the world, we can identify biodiversity patterns that would not be apparent from individual studies."
Dr Deirdre Gleeson
"This study demonstrates the power of environmental DNA to answer ecological questions at a truly global scale. By combining datasets collected by researchers around the world, we can identify biodiversity patterns that would not be apparent from individual studies. The findings improve our understanding of how freshwater ecosystems are responding to climate change and human impacts, while providing valuable evidence to support conservation and environmental management."
Reflecting on the international nature of the project, Dr Gleeson added, "This collaboration demonstrates how researchers from across the world can work together to generate knowledge that has real value for biodiversity protection. I look forward to continuing to develop environmental DNA research at SETU and applying these approaches to address environmental challenges in Ireland and beyond."
I look forward to continuing to develop environmental DNA research at SETU and applying these approaches to address environmental challenges in Ireland and beyond."
Dr Deirdre Gleeson
Dr David Phelan, Head of the Department of Applied Sciences at SETU, congratulated Dr Gleeson on her contribution to the internationally significant publication.
Having research published in a journal of the calibre of Nature Ecology & Evolution is a significant achievement and reflects both the quality of Dr Gleeson's research and the strength of environmental science within the Department of Applied Sciences at SETU."
Dr David Phelan, SETU Head of Department of Applied Sciences
He said, "Having research published in a journal of the calibre of Nature Ecology & Evolution is a significant achievement and reflects both the quality of Dr Gleeson's research and the strength of environmental science within the Department of Applied Sciences at SETU. This work highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing global environmental challenges while also strengthening research capacity, teaching and innovation within the University."
To access the full publication, please visit the journal here.
