eDNA Testing Identifies At-risk Fish Species

Samples taken in the Kaipapaka stream using environmental DNA (eDNA) have identified the presence of at-risk fish species in the waterway. Both redfin bully and long fin eels are considered at-risk/declining. Banded kokopu, a type of whitebait are also in decline.

The trust was one of the community groups selected to participate in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new eDNA science programme. The pioneering programme brings science to the field helping groups like ours identify what species are in the conservation area. When animals move through their environment, they leave behind DNA. This unique DNA “barcode” is used to identify different species from microbes through to mammals.

The results of the testing have helped us establish a baseline from which we can monitor animal life in the future.