The Burnett Mary Region is internationally renowned for its ecological diversity, extensive primary production and rich cultural heritage. The area supports waterways and wetlands that provide habitat for a large number of native species of flora and fauna. Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) is using eDNA to provide high quality baseline aquatic vertebrate biodiversity data across their catchment area to help inform their on-ground conservation strategies, with a view to long-term natural capital monitoring under the Accounting for Nature framework.

BMRG in partnership with EnviroDNA are undertaking a comprehensive sampling plan that incorporates a range of waterway and habitat types, as part of the EnviroDNA Aquatic Native Vertebrate eDNA Method under Accounting for Nature for guidelines. The Aquatic Native Vertebrate eDNA Method was developed by EnviroDNA to support quantitative regional-scale land management, harnessing eDNA as a tool for measuring the physical state of environments against a reference benchmark, through time.

This project involves sampling design along with appropriate field controls. EnviroDNA has also run workshops for BMRG staff, collaborators, and stakeholders to discuss eDNA techniques and demonstrate correct water sampling protocols. Samples are collected by BMRG and will be analysed using eDNA metabarcoding methods to detect native and introduced aquatic vertebrates in the area. These numbers are being used alongside additional Accounting for Nature Methods to provide a comprehensive environmental baseline for native vegetation and terrestrial fauna, along with culturally significant assets defined by Traditional Owners, and measures of soil and forest carbon. Future scope may extend to fresh water quality, and to marine environments.

An account snapshot of this project is available via the AfN website.