Using eDNA as a baseline for assessment of environmental impacts from CCS and other anthropogenic hazards.

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions are drastically changing the global climate, with multiple consequences such as rising temperatures and ocean acidification (IPCC, 2023). These widespread changes are negatively impacting biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the communities that rely on them, prompting efforts to reduce current CO2 emissions (Zawude Bakure et al., 2022; Campbell-Lendrum et al., 2023).  

One proposed method for reducing CO2 emissions and mitigating climate change is carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology that involves injecting concentrated CO2 into suitable geological reservoirs for long-term storage (Roy et al., 2023; Eyitayo et al., 2025). These reservoirs are often located sub-seafloor in coastal areas, which have raised concerns over potential impacts on the marine environment (Damen et al., 2006). For instance, leakage of CO2 and brine, although unlikely, may affect local ecosystems, while the establishment of connected infrastructures may affect biodiversity on a wider scale (Blackford et al., 2009; Rastelli et al., 2016).  

COREu is a pioneering Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project demonstrating key technologies at sites in southern and central Europe. One aim is to demonstrate full-scale CCS beneath the Prinos oil field, located in the Kavala Gulf in Greece. Although most research suggests CO2 leakages may have minor, local and reversible environmental impacts, collection of robust baseline data is still essential for detecting potential changes in biodiversity. Therefore, a central task in COREu is to develop and demonstrate an innovative method for collection of detailed baseline data describing the marine environment prior to CCS activities, using analyses of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a sensitive and non-invasive monitoring tool.