This DNAqua-Net topical issue edited by the leaders of Working Group 3 (Field and lab protocols), Kat Bruce (UK) and Emre Keskin (Turkey), as well as DNAqua-Net Chair Florian Leese (Germany) welcomes submissions on DNA and environmental DNA metabarcoding and metagenomics with a focus on field and lab aspects. Manuscripts can present results on sample collection, preservation of material, comparison of sample volumes or materials used. Laboratory protocol comparisons including benchmarks of different methods, primer comparisons are as welcome as further articles comparing outcomes of different labelling and sequencing strategies. We also welcome submissions that deal with QA/QC in field and lab workflows and method standardisation.