This report investigates the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess freshwater fish communities under the National Objectives Framework (NOF) in the NPS-FM and evaluates the equivalency of macroinvertebrate metrics—MCI, QMCI, and ASPM—when calculated using eDNA versus physical sampling.
This report investigates the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess freshwater fish communities under the National Objectives Framework (NOF) in the NPS-FM and evaluates the equivalency of macroinvertebrate metrics—MCI, QMCI, and ASPM—when calculated using eDNA versus physical sampling.
Fish Community Monitoring Using eDNA
This report investigates the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess freshwater fish communities under the National Objectives Framework (NOF) in the NPS-FM. It compares eDNA-based species richness with traditional fishing methods and finds that eDNA consistently detects more species, particularly in species-rich environments. To address biases in existing indices, the study develops a new Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) that accounts for the joint effects of elevation and distance from the coast. The revised index improves ecological accuracy and better aligns with land-use impacts, offering a more rigorous approach for monitoring and reporting on freshwater fish communities.
Macroinvertebrate Metrics Using eDNA
This report evaluates the equivalency of macroinvertebrate metrics – MCI, QMCI, and ASPM – when calculated using eDNA versus physical sampling. Using paired datasets from Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty, the study finds strong correlations for most metrics, though differences in taxonomic resolution and sampling protocols can affect results. The findings suggest that eDNA-based metrics may place more sites in lower NOF attribute bands, highlighting the need for standardised processing and improved reference libraries. The report recommends further development of stressor-specific indices and national protocols to support consistent and reliable use of eDNA in freshwater monitoring.