Mr Alex Tomlinson1
1Parks Australia
Biography:
Alex Tomlinson has been developing science partnerships in Parks Australia for 3 years. Alex has a keen interest in novel approaches to protected area science, policy and management, and engages in this nexus for continued innovation.
Abstract:
Parks Australia is engaging proactively in the opportunities that environmental DNA (eDNA) science techniques can provide for large-scale protected area monitoring. This is occurring in both marine and terrestrial environments. For marine parks, this has included visioning the future of eDNA use in marine parks through CSIRO’s roadmap and partnering on the National Biodiversity DNA Library as a critical foundation. Parks has also invested in Minderoo Foundation’s work piloting large-scale monitoring and advancing eDNA technology and methods. The inclusion of eDNA methods as part of otherwise traditional method-based science projects is also well underway. Through this work, a demonstrable understanding of the potential additional, unique and combined benefits of eDNA techniques is emerging, such as ready use for monitoring invasive species in island parks. However, the tailored design of monitoring programs in which eDNA methods are also supplemented with traditional methods provide the potential for strategic benefits. This may include specific and combined whole-of-system methodology design across a broad and targeted program of monitoring for impactful outcomes. This optimised approach to monitoring design has the potential for cost and knowledge outcomes. This presentation will touch on ongoing planning and analysis as a conversation starter for future collaborations in getting the most value out of eDNA methods.