Niche undertook baseline aquatic ecological survey on behalf of the Marulan South Limestone Mine, in accordance with approval requirements. The purpose of the survey was to establish current baseline conditions and capture any temporal variation in stream health conditions compared to previous data collection, ahead of future extraction. Survey occurred within Bungonia and Morton National Parks across highly rugged terrain. This terrain presented significant challenges to completing fish survey using traditional sampling techniques in an effective and safe manner.
In addition to fish survey, Niche collected multiple indicators of stream health, which were completed in line with previously employed techniques. Niche completed fish survey using eDNA sampling as an alternative to traditional techniques to improve survey effectiveness, safety during collection and reduce cost. The past dataset allowed for a comparative assessment of the eDNA sampling approach to determine if the approach was successful in meeting these aims.
The survey successfully demonstrated the efficacy of eDNA sampling in relation to the aim of the program. Fish species detection data was improved in comparison to traditional techniques previously applied at the site and allowed standardisation of survey effort across streams. Risks to the field team were able to be avoided or mitigated by adopting this approach, which also reduced the overall cost of the program.
The survey demonstrated the efficacy of eDNA as a cost effective tool in aquatic ecological monitoring, in particular in relation to fish survey in rugged or hazardous environments. Demonstrating improved survey, safety and value in this setting.