NEWS
On Tuesday 5th May 2026, RegenWA hosted a workshop at Joc Dwyer’s property in Bindoon, on the Environmental DNA (eDNA) Biodiversity in Action project. This was the first opportunity for attendees to see the eDNA results from the project properties. The day was a brilliant example of researchers and land managers coming together to ground science in the practical realities of farming.
The eDNA workshop covered a wide range of presentation topics by six different speakers. The objective of the workshop was to take participants through the project from its inception, fieldwork, laboratory results, data analysis, local research using this technology, what’s involved for individuals or groups to deploy eDNA and ‘next steps’ for this project.
David reiterated that one of the strengths of the eDNA Landcare Agriculture Biodiversity in Action program is its ability to bring emerging science onto farms and translate it into practical, producer-relevant decision-making. Specifically, the goals of the project are:
Improve farmers’ knowledge and confidence in biodiversity monitoring;
Identify and protect on-farm threatened species using eDNA;
Implement targeted management actions based on site-specific data;
Engage producers in planning, implementation and ongoing monitoring; and
Build industry capacity for adaptive, evidence-based biodiversity action.
Craig Pensini (Project Officer) went through the logistics and initial data from the eDNA sampling. This included how a combination of sampling techniques was used – wet (water sampling) versus dry (roller & air) sampling.
There were three (3) landholders involved at four (4) sampling locations
Sampling occurred between 22nd October and the 20th of November 2025. A total of 41 samples were taken across the sampling locations. This included
Adam Canning (James Cook University Senior Research Officer) delivered a presentation summarising results from our farm sample sites and what those results mean. Adam’s experience with eDNA sampling and analysis was a highlight of the first of our guest presenters. He walked attendees through topics such as “what is eDNA”, on farm uses for eDNA and how eDNA is extracted from field samples. Adam then went on to show his analysis of the large amount data that came back from our project and how he extracted useful detections. As was mentioned earlier by David Broadhurst, a key objective of this project is to Identify and protect on-farm threatened species using eDNA.
That was exactly what Adam was able to show in his presentation eDNA threatened species slide Adam Canning.png
Adam concluded his talk with some ideas around what do you do next with the information generated from eDNA sampling. eDNA What should be done next_slide Adam Canning.png
Angus Lawrie & Marina de Oliveira) Curtin University Post Graduate Researchers) provided two fantastic presentations delving into real world local research on how eDNA sampling works and why it matters.
Marina’s research is aiming to validate DNA-based tools for assessing terrestrial biodiversity and begin the development of an eDNA-based metric for terrestrial ecosystem evaluation. You can read more about it here: https://www.edgesprogram.org/projects/broad-scale-monitoring-of-land-ecosystems-with-edna/
A key aim of Angus’s research is the development of the novel AqWATIC “health” index derived from eDNA data which has the potential to serve as the basis of ongoing biomonitoring in WA wetlands. More information can be found here: https://www.edgesprogram.org/projects/living-waters-of-western-australia-liwa/
Shane Herbert (Curtin University eDNA Frontiers) then discussed the tips, tricks and limitations of eDNA sampling, and led an in-field use of demonstration sampling equipment. With Shane, attendees were able to understand first-hand what is involved with taking successful in-field eDNA samples. Shane mentioned that eDNA Frontiers has videos on their website that gives you an idea of what’s involved Sampling – eDNA Frontiers.
Feedback from participants was the hands-on demonstration session at the workshop was very valuable.
To conclude the workshop Adam Canning and Craig Pensini conducted a discussion on the next phase of the project, where the science meets practice.
Using our Oblong turtle as a focal species, the project team will develop a draft grower management strategy document or habitat plan. Rather than being prescriptive, this document will explore:
The project team will over the next 12 months commence on-ground works to support the management plan.
Feedback back from workshop attendees was universally positive, comments from our feedback survey said.
“How versatile is this eDNA technology. There are so many possibilities in developing benchmarks for conservation. The data collection process is not as complicated as I thought it would be.”
“I thought the workshop was excellent. The information was technical but still easy to understand. I have told so many people about it. It’s very exciting.”
Watch this film from Simple Ben Stories on the eDNA Landcare Australia Biodiversity in Action project currently being managed by RegenWA across three Western Australian farms.
This project is made possible through the Landcare Australia Biodiversity in Action Grant, funded by the Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust
