Antarctic scientists in Australia have trialed a DNA "barcoding" technique that could help prevent invasive marine species from reaching polar ecosystems.

Researchers from the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) used environmental DNA, or eDNA shed by all organisms into the environment, to detect species known to hitch-hike on ships' hulls during a 2022 voyage from the island state of Tasmania to sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island, an AAP statement said on Monday.

The research, published in Science of The Total Environment, showed that eDNA sampling could help ensure effective biosecurity practices, such as hull cleaning, and identify invasive species before they can establish, said AAP molecular biologist Leonie Suter from Australia's University of Tasmania.

"By collecting environmental samples, such as soil or water, we can analyze this DNA and identify what organisms are present," Suter said.

The research showed that eDNA monitoring could validate biofouling management to protect sub-Antarctic and Antarctic marine environments.