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More than 100 species including turtles, echidnas, fish and birds call Parramatta home with Council completing surveys of 20 local waterways including freshwater, estuarine, lake and artificial wetland sites across the City.
A new environmental DNA (eDNA) technique and other methods such as electrofishing and baited underwater traps were used to collect and test water samples before being matched against national and international databases of plants and animals.
The study serves as a new benchmark for Council to assess the overall health and quality of the local waterways within the Parramatta area.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the survey will help Council understand what species are present and how to improve the management, quality and health of our waterways.
“We have an ambition to become an unrivalled river city and with our waterways stretching more than 105km, it’s critical that we continue to protect our local environment, improve the health of our local waterways and increase biodiversity in our area,” Cr Zaiter said.
“This study found areas with the highest biodiversity were those with good riverside vegetation and low levels of creek erosion.
“Our team found 22 species of fish and frogs, including many native species such as long finned eels along with visitors from overseas such as goldfish and European carp also detected.”
This is the first time Council has included the use of an eDNA survey with similar studies completed in 2010 and 2017 using traditional methods.
For more information, visit Council’s website.
For media enquiries please contact: City of Parramatta Council Media Team.
