During National Science Week 2022 Charles Sturt University will present the results of a joint citizen-science engagement 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 County.

The results will be presented during an online webinar on Tuesday 16 August from 12pm to 1pm and is free to attend.

The project provided the opportunity for community members and school students to participate in research which investigated 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 in the Charles Sturt  School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Dr Jessica Tout-Lyon 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 water ways. 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.

“Participants then sampled 30 sites in the Manning River catchment Birpai County and sent them to Canberra University laboratories for analysis. Water samples were analysed for the presence of eDNA of vertebrate species.”

Charles Sturt researchers in conjunction with researchers from the University of Canberra have compiled the results which will be presented in the live webinar on Tuesday 16 August from 12pm to 1pm.  

Anyone can attend but places are limited. Please register to attend.

ENDS