Citizen scientists across Melbourne have signed up to take part in a Melbourne Water eDNA monitoring blitz, to track the health and numbers of fish and animals in waterways across the city.
Melbourne Water said the project had been dubbed ‘Waterway CSI’ and would see volunteers take water samples from 70 sites to be tested for environmental DNA.
“This is a simple and non-invasive way of capturing the DNA of many species with a single scoop of H2O in a test tube fitted with a special filter,” Melbourne Water said.
“That water is then sent back to the EnviroDNA lab for DNA meta barcoding,” it said.
“Results can show numerous types of animals within a specific waterway.”
The utility said it had been using the approach to successfully monitor the biodiversity of Melbourne’s creeks and rivers.
Project Manager of ‘Waterway CSI’ at Melbourne Water, Teresa Mackintosh said it was heartening to have so many people involved, and volunteers would soon receive their sample packs.
“Everyone taking part gets a sample kit containing a test tube fitted with an eDNA filter, a lunchbox and ice block to keep the water sample cold,” Dr Mackintosh said.
“Every one of these test tubes of water is packed with animal DNA,” she said.
Dr Mackintosh said the samples would provide Melbourne Water with important information on the biodiversity and habitat health within many of Melbourne’s waterways.
