eDNA monitoring to support conservation of cold-water fishes in the Queensland Murray Darling Basin

Ms Jaye Lobegeiger1, Dr Jonathan  Marshall1, Mr Josh Griffiths2

1Queensland Department Of Environment And Science, Brisbane, Australia, 2EnviroDNA, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract:

Headwaters of the Condamine and Border Rivers in Queensland support remnant populations of cold-water specialist species, river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) and mountain galaxias (Galaxias olidus). Over evolutionary and historical timescales both were more widespread but warming temperatures and loss of riparian vegetation have reduced and fragmented their habitats. This is compounded by additional threats such as sediment infilling, exotic species and reduced stream flow. These species disperse poorly, and physical (e.g. waterfalls) and thermal (e.g. cleared reaches without shade) barriers prevent recolonisation after local extirpation. Because of this, losses of local populations pose a great risk to the long-term viability of these species in Queensland.

Extreme climate in 2018-2020 generated unprecedented hot and dry conditions. Streams dried, the groundwater flows critical for providing constant cold water dwindled, and stressed riparian vegetation offered little shade. Fires burned close to key habitats. In response to this imminent threat, conservation activities, including salvage, restocking, and habitat restoration, were initiated.

Conservation and recovery of these species requires an understanding of their past and current distributions. The landscape has changed significantly since most, sparse, historical distribution records were made, and their appearance and behaviour make them difficult species to observe or catch. eDNA is now being used to monitor current distributions. Sampling has shown that the range of both species in Queensland has contracted significantly, so protecting the remaining populations is critical. Findings are being used by local land managers to prioritise locations for habitat restoration and will inform future responses to climate change impacts.


Biography:

Jaye Lobegeiger is a freshwater ecologist with over 20 years experience. Her areas of expertise include ecohydrology, ecological risk assessment, dryland river ecology, especially the role and function of waterhole refugia, and translation of research results into policy advice. She is currently the Ecological Coordinator for the implementation of Murray-Darling Basin Plan in Queensland.

Current projects include:

– Northern Basin Toolkit implementation

– enhancement of Queensland’s Long Term Watering Plans

– Waterhole refuge habitat quality

– Resilience of fish populations following drought

– Cold stenotherm species conservation and monitoring

Date

Mar 21 - 23 2022
Expired!