A survey of stream fauna - eDNA

 

Setting up a passive eDNA collection filter 

A new testing programme has been developed by Wilderlab in Wellington, to capture through filtering stream water, then reading the DNA captured within the filter, to identify the species present. This process is called environmental DNA or eDNA.

The Mangaiti Restoration Trust is one of over 200 community groups, hapū and kura who have signed up to the Environmental Protect Authority’s (EPA) programme Wai Tuwhera o te Taiao - Open Waters Aotearoa. The programme promotes the use of eDNA to discover what species live in their local lakes, streams and rivers and coastal waters. Local co-ordination is being carried out by advisors from NZ Landcare Trust.

From the initial one sample pack supplied by EPA, we have purchased another four with funding from HCC and donations. There is anecdotal evidence that the different arms of Mangaiti Stream have created their own habitat (and not always good), due to where the stream source comes from and the type of vegetation around and over the stream as it runs through Mangaiti.

This sampling is going to give us a basis to develop a stream management plan. We will know what to protect, where the different species are and the habitat that each indigenous species requires to thrive.