Dr Katie Hillyer1
1Dept of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Katie is a Senior Scientist in the Aquatic Ecosystem Health team in the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland Government. The team conduct water quality monitoring of estuarine systems across Queensland. With a background in the use of novel 'omics-based monitoring tools for eco-surveillance, Katie is interested in the use of eDNA to complement traditional monitoring approaches and better inform management decisions.
Abstract:
Estuarine systems support critical goods and services yet are highly sensitive to the effects of surrounding human use. Given the number and variety of these complex and dynamic systems across Queensland, monitoring typically focuses on traditional physical-chemical indicators. Though relatively cheap and rapid, traditional indicators provide limited insight into the biological function of a system, which is important for management decisions across a range of stakeholders.
In collaboration with Wilderlab and regional management authorities, we piloted the use of eDNA for the assessment of estuarine health, sampling surface waters in a variety of systems across Queensland. Our initial data generated useful insight into biological composition of both the estuary and effects of surrounding land use, including detection of species of conservation concern, invasive species, habitat forming groups, and indicators of nutrient status.
Given limited biological information for many estuarine systems across Queensland and continuing intensification of human use, these findings are valuable for engaging with local stakeholders and for the co-development of more detailed, targeted and rapid monitoring approaches to better understand estuarine health.