Citizen scientists have made new findings on threatened fish species in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Volunteers had been recruited as part of a larger effort to document the range of endangered species in the Murray-Darling, highlighting the often-overlooked threats faced by aquatic wildlife in Australian waterways.

They were equipped with innovative environmental DNA techniques for data collection, supported by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) Basin Condition Monitoring Program.

Water samples were gathered from across the Murray-Darling Basin by community members and then analysed at EnviroDNA laboratories in Victoria. 

The results have provided fresh insights into the survival of various species, with some good news emerging from the analysis.

Key threatened species such as the Murray cod and platypus were detected across several sites, offering hope for their future survival. 

As the MDBA works towards restoring the rivers of the Basin, the research highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Despite some positive findings, the study also revealed troubling data. 

The critically endangered Galaxias rostratus was found at only one location in northern Victoria, while the endangered Murray hardyhead was not detected at all. 

Similarly, the purple spotted gudgeon was absent in the Murray catchment, although it was recorded in the upper Darling/Baaka River system along the NSW-Queensland border.

The presence of invasive species, including carp and trout, was noted at most sites. 

These non-native species are known to negatively impact threatened fish populations, compounding the challenges faced by conservation efforts.

The research also identified several unique habitats within the Basin, supporting up to five species of threatened fish. 

More details are accessible here.