The northern Australia region is vast, remote and sparsely populated. Because of this, monitoring biodiversity using traditional methods is time-consuming, requires expertise and some methods cannot be deployed in remote and difficult to access areas. Environmental DNA has emerged as a detection tool that could increase our monitoring capability by orders of magnitude given that it does not rely on sighting or catching the target species, but simply collecting their genetic material left behind in the environment. It can rapidly increase data on the occurrence of aquatic fauna to more effectively manage their populations and to further our understanding of key drivers of population vulnerability. More importantly, it allows for engagement with non-eDNA-specialists, such as Indigenous Ranger and Traditional Owner groups.
The conventional eDNA field sampling involves passing water through a filter paper using a water pump. This can be a time-consuming activity in the presence of increased water turbidity, given that filter papers get clogged constantly. More importantly, it poses a risk of contamination due to the increased handling of filter papers. In this talk, I will present how has TropWATER overcome this problem with a “user-friendly” field protocol that only requires collecting a water sample and fixing it in a preservative buffer. This protocol has allowed successful engagement with non-scientists in northern Australia, including Traditional Owners and Indigenous Ranger groups, without requiring prior face-to-face training.