eDNA
Monitoring Program

eDNA Monitoring Program 

Catchment Action Plan: All 

Site: SEQ-wide 

The $1.2 million eDNA monitoring program is underway across more than 200 locations in South East Queensland, using innovative environmental DNA testing to uncover data on the region’s native species including platypus, rakali, freshwater turtles, lungfish, frogs and endangered Mary River cod. 

It is the first regionally coordinated eDNA monitoring program across 11 South East Queensland councils. It also marks the first time cutting-edge eDNA testing will be conducted in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast to create a comprehensive biodiversity snapshot across the south-east. 

Led by Resilient Rivers SEQ and delivered by Wildlife Queensland, data collected will help to support future conservation efforts including vital habitat restoration and waterway management. 

The program includes community workshops, citizen science activities and an interactive online map helping connect residents with their local environment. 

This will build on a decade of community-led monitoring through Wildlife Queensland including the PlatyCount campaign, which has already surveyed more than 300 sites. 

Resilient Rivers SEQ, managed by the Council of Mayors (SEQ), delivers coordinated catchment management to improve the health and resilience of the region’s waterways, including the internationally significant Moreton Bay. 

What's happening now?

Monitoring native species

eDNA monitoring is underway across more than 200 locations in South East Queensland to uncover data on the region’s native species including platypus, rakali, freshwater turtles, lungfish, frogs and endangered Mary River cod.

Collecting environmental DNA

Environmental DNA testing is being used to create a comprehensive biodiversity snapshot across South East Queensland, including the first time cutting-edge eDNA testing will be conducted in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.

Building community knowledge

The program includes community workshops and citizen science activities to help connect residents with their local environment. This will build on a decade of community-led monitoring through Wildlife Queensland, including the PlatyCount campaign, which has already surveyed more than 300 sites.

Sharing the data

An interactive online map helps connect residents with their local environment, while data collected will help to support future conservation efforts including vital habitat restoration and waterway management.
VIEW INTERACTIVE MAP

Looking ahead

Data collected will help to support future conservation efforts including vital habitat restoration and waterway management.

The program will create a comprehensive biodiversity snapshot across South East Queensland and support improved understanding of the region’s native species.