Meeting Highlights - March 2026

eDNA testing

• The eDNA testing results were surprising and disappointing. Most results were bacteria, multiple species sighted during testing didnt show up in the results, very few fish species are present in the results, and there are no mussel species in the results. Photos taken by divers on the sampling day provided better evidence of the presence of larger species. The disappointing results may be due to the methodology (samples should be taken further down the water column and the maximum possible volume pushed through the filter) and the temperature (eDNA disintegrates more in warmer water). Adjustments will be made during the next sampling round.

Tree canopy project

• Analysis of historical clearing is mostly done and the project should speed up as analysis of contemporary clearing gets underway.

  
  

NSW Marine Parks Forum

• Members will be attending the 3rd Annual NSW Marine Parks Forum in Sydney on 31 March.