18/10/2026
From local knowledge to action: eDNA monitoring begins in North Queensland!
The Fish eDNA Citizen Science Project has officially moved from planning into field monitoring across the Herbert, Townsville and Burdekin regions. After valuable community workshops, local knowledge about waterways, fish habitats, cultural values and environmental changes has helped shape where monitoring will take place.
Over the coming months, sampling will be conducted before, during and after the wet season to build a better understanding of fish biodiversity and how fish communities change across seasons and catchments.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their insights and expertise. This community-informed program shows the power of combining local knowledge with science to support the future management of Great Barrier Reef catchments.
Interested in being part of the journey? Opportunities for volunteers and community partners to get involved in field activities are coming soon. Together, we're building knowledge and stewardship of the waterways that support our local fish populations.
Crystal Creek, Black River, Bohle River, Ross River
Dates: 24th – 27th October
Time: 8am – 1pm
Lunch and snacks provided.
Haughton River, Baratta Creek, Plantation Creek, Burdekin River
Dates: 28th October – 1st November
Time: 8am – 1pm
Lunch and snacks provided.
How to get involved:
We can manage 3 volunteers per day to ensure everyone can be engaged and involved in the activities. Once we finish each sample round at all the sites, you might want to stick around for some fishing!
If you want to sign up for one or more of these dates, send an email to [email protected] with the date that you would like to attend.
Looking forward to seeing you and having fun together!
“The eDNA fish monitoring in the tropics project is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust through the Great Barrier Reef Citizen Science Program”
