eDNA Biodiversity Detection

AUS-TMI-AGR-DNA General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: CompositeFramework

Scoring Curve

Scoring curve unavailable

The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is CompositeFramework, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.

Evidence & Context

An eDNA profile corresponding to a 'Poor' (Grade D) waterway health rating, marked by the absence of sensitive taxa and dominance by a few tolerant species.

Metric Definition:

An eDNA biodiversity profile characteristic of a waterway with 'Poor' (Grade D) ecological condition, showing absence of sensitive taxa and dominance by tolerant species.

Benchmark Definition:

Lower critical threshold where ecosystem function is compromised due to loss of sensitive taxa.

Justification:

Defined by the HR2RP Grade D waterway health rating and supported by ecological principles linking biodiversity loss to ecosystem function impairment.

Sources (1)

Preview of eDNA guidelines – Environomics Future Science Platform - CSIRO Research

eDNA guidelines – Environomics Future Science Platform - CSIRO Research Government

Categories - environmental DNA - CSIRO Data Access Portal

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Supporting Sources (8)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Chapter 00013 - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Agroecosystems - Berkeley Food Institute

Contextual Support Journal

Eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) - Government of Western Australia

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Eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) - Western Australian Government

Contextual Support Government

Memorandum - Nitrate guideline values in ANZECC 2000

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How to Increase Soil Fertility with Mixed-Species Planting - SONIC Natural Farming, accessed July 7, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Functional Agro-Biodiversity: An Evaluation of Current Approaches and Outcomes - MDPI

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Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Improvement Plan 2014-2021 - Reef Catchments

Contextual Support Government

Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Improvement Plan 2014-2021 - Reef Catchments

View Source

Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Improvement Plan 2014-2021 - Reef Catchments, accessed August 2, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Improvement Plan 2014-2021 - Reef Catchments, accessed August 2, 2025

View Source

North Queensland eDNA Fish Mapping - OzFish Unlimited

Methodology Source GreyLiterature

eDNA as a tool to inform aquatic biosecurity management decisions: A case study on a South-East Queensland dam with a retrofitted fish passage facility

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Plant Production and Protection Division: How to manage agricultural biodiversity

Contextual Support Government

Plant Production and Protection Division: How to manage agricultural biodiversity

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the mackay – whitsunday – isaac - 2022 report card - Healthy Rivers ...

Direct Evidence Journal

Plant Production and Protection Division: How to manage agricultural biodiversity

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Conservation Target
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 3 Jun 2026

Notes

Represents a state of functional collapse with severe loss of sensitive species and dominance by tolerant or invasive species.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TMI-AGR-DNA family.