Biodiversity of Manning Region animals and creek health

During National Science Week 2022 Charles Sturt University presented the results of a project with the Manning River Turtle Group, the University of Canberra and MidCoast Council which investigated freshwater biodiversity in the Manning River catchment in Birpai Country.

The project provided the opportunity for community members and school students to investigate the aquatic biodiversity in creeks and rivers of the NSW MidCoast. Charles Sturt was one of 35 recipients to receive funding for the project under the National Science Week grants offered by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. Lecturer and Early Career Researcher in Environmental Science Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon (inset above) played a critical role in designing and delivering the project, which took place over three stages. “Participants took part in a workshop where they were trained in the sampling process for eDNA to collect water samples in their local waterways. This emerging technology is increasingly being used to survey the biodiversity of waterways,” Dr Tout-Lyon said. “Using the new eDNA technologies, the project explored the biodiversity and distribution of animals in MidCoast waterways, including the Endemic Platypus, Australian Bass, and the threatened Manning River Turtle.”