Secrets out - we're unravelling some great findings about our waterways!
Wollongong City Council is continuously looking at ways to support the care and maintenance of our waterways and catchment areas on Dharawal Country.
One way we do this is by undertaking different environmental studies. This helps us to gradually build our knowledge around who and what are wading beneath the surface.
In the past few months, we've made some meaningful progress thanks to a collaboration with Shellharbour City Council. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, we've surveyed several key locations across both Local Government Areas.
The survey focuses on eDNA – a genetic material shed by organisms into their surroundings. All animals and plants release traces of DNA through sources such as hair, skin cells, scales and mucus, which eventually wash into creeks and waterways.
Isabelle Ghetti, Council's Environment Planning Manager, said the survey was a huge opportunity to explore an innovative method of identifying what plants and animals interact or live in the Illawarra.
"eDNA studies allow us to undertake fish monitoring and better understand movements. It's an efficient method when compared to more traditional methodologies" she said.
"When we saw an opportunity to tap into a state-wide survey being done by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries through the NSW Asset Protection Program, we were jumping up and down to be a part of it.
"Together with Shellharbour City Council, we've been able to get an insight into waterway health, the breadth of wildlife diversity, what has or is changing and more. It's exciting because every bit of data collected will help inform our future planning and care of our waterways.
"Excitingly, the eDNA surveying found traces of platypus in four waterways that flow into Lake Illawarra. This was a nice surprise and shows the impact these studies can have!"
Image: Findings during the survey (L-R) Ophicardelus sp mollusc, Rafting cockle with algae attached and Black Swans.
Image: Findings during the survey (L-R) Great egret, mangrove sapling and Bembicium auratum mollusc.
To collect eDNA, a water sample is taken from the study site and sent to a laboratory. From here, theDNA present in the water is amplified, meaning it is copied millions of times to allow detection of even very small fragments. These are then cross-referenced with species records in an established DNA database.
This technique enables the identification of a broad range of organisms, including bacteria, fish, birds, algae, plants and insects, many of which are difficult to observe or capture using traditional survey methods.
Ms Ghetti said the initiative was made possible by NSW Government grant funding and our community.
"As a community grant, it meant that residents could play a key part in the data collection – which they took on whole heartedly.
"It was such a special experience for us and we're grateful to everyone who came along. This included community members from Stream Hill Landcare and students from TAFE and the University of Wollongong.
"We enjoyed their curiosity, asking us about water quality and the bigger picture, all whilst filling up one-litre buckets with water samples. Platypus spotting will continue in our community so that these beloved animals' home in Wollongong is protected.
"I suggest keeping an eye out for the Platy Project, an initiative supported by our team in October."
The survey is still ongoing with findings still being finalised. In the meantime, you can check out some of the results at the Wilderlab website .
Wollongong City Council has prepared this survey with financial assistance from the NSW Government through its Coastal Management Program.
