eDNA Biodiversity Detection

AUS-TSW-AQU-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.

Contributing Benchmarks

CompositeFramework Primary Point Guard

Evidence & Context

The following table provides the recommended benchmark for eDNA Biodiversity Detection in a best-practice aquaculture system within Australia's Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands.

Metric Definition:

eDNA Biodiversity Detection as species or family richness count in a best-practice aquaculture system.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the species or family richness count for eDNA biodiversity detection in a best-practice aquaculture system within the specified biome and land use.

Justification:

This benchmark is derived from the best-performing, "enhanced" farm dams in the most relevant analogue study, representing a real-world, high-health state in a managed Australian water body. Confidence is 'Moderate' due to the use of an analogue rather than direct measurement.

Sources (1)

Preview of Farm Dam eDNA Biodiversity Report July 2019 - EnviroDNA

Farm Dam eDNA Biodiversity Report July 2019 - EnviroDNA Journal

Farm Dam eDNA Biodiversity Report July 2019 - EnviroDNA

Supporting Sources (35)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for assessing fish biomass: A review of approaches and future considerations for resource surveys - ResearchGate, accessed August 10, 2025

(PDF) Environmental DNA (eDNA) as a tool for assessing fish biomass: A review of approaches and future considerations for resource surveys - ResearchGate, accessed August 10, 2025

Contextual Support Journal

Correlated environmental DNA and electrofished estimates of relative biomass for golden perch, Macquaria ambigua - Frontiers

Preview of A performance evaluation of targeted eDNA and eDNA metabarcoding analyses for freshwater fishes - University of Canberra, accessed July 13, 2025,

A performance evaluation of targeted eDNA and eDNA metabarcoding analyses for freshwater fishes - University of Canberra, accessed July 13, 2025,

Methodology Source Journal

A performance evaluation of targeted eDNA and eDNA metabarcoding analyses for freshwater fishes - University of Canberra

Preview of A strategy for dealing with invasive species in Australia, accessed August 12, 2025,

A strategy for dealing with invasive species in Australia, accessed August 12, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

The impacts of invasive plant species on biodiversity of Australian rangelands

Preview of A strategy for dealing with invasive species in Australia, accessed July 13, 2025,

A strategy for dealing with invasive species in Australia, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

A strategy for dealing with invasive species in Australia

Preview of Aquaculture in Australia - DAFF, accessed July 13, 2025,

Aquaculture in Australia - DAFF, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support

Aquaculture in Australia - DAFF

Preview of Aquaculture in desert and arid lands: development constraints and opportunities. - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Aquaculture in desert and arid lands: development constraints and opportunities. - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Contextual Support Journal

Aquaculture in desert and arid lands: development constraints and opportunities. - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Preview of Aquaculture Planning in Western Australia - Part B Sites and Maps - DBCA Library, accessed July 13, 2025,

Aquaculture Planning in Western Australia - Part B Sites and Maps - DBCA Library, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Strategies for promoting sustainable aquaculture in arid and semi-arid areas

Preview of Aquatic animal diseases significant to Australia: identification field guide 5th edition, accessed July 13, 2025,

Aquatic animal diseases significant to Australia: identification field guide 5th edition, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Aquatic animal diseases significant to Australia: identification field guide 5th edition

Preview of Aquatic health and biosecurity - Animal Health Australia, accessed July 13, 2025,

Aquatic health and biosecurity - Animal Health Australia, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Aquatic health and biosecurity - Animal Health Australia

Preview of ASSESSING THE BIOSECURITY RISK OF IMPORTED UNCOOKED, WHOLE AND HEAD-ON EVISCERATED, BARRAMUNDI AND NON-SALMONID FINFISH IN RELATION TO EXOTIC VIRUSES | World Aquaculture Society Meetings, accessed July 13, 2025,

ASSESSING THE BIOSECURITY RISK OF IMPORTED UNCOOKED, WHOLE AND HEAD-ON EVISCERATED, BARRAMUNDI AND NON-SALMONID FINFISH IN RELATION TO EXOTIC VIRUSES | World Aquaculture Society Meetings, accessed July 13, 2025,

Methodology Source GreyLiterature

ASSESSING THE BIOSECURITY RISK OF IMPORTED UNCOOKED, WHOLE AND HEAD-ON EVISCERATED, BARRAMUNDI AND NON-SALMONID FINFISH IN RELATION TO EXOTIC VIRUSES | World Aquaculture Society Meetings

Preview of Benefits of farm dam enhancement - Sustainable Farms, accessed July 13, 2025,

Benefits of farm dam enhancement - Sustainable Farms, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Benefits of farm dam enhancement - Sustainable Farms

Preview of Biological invasions in intermittent rivers and streams: current knowledge, and future frontiers - Revista Ecosistemas, accessed July 13, 2025,

Biological invasions in intermittent rivers and streams: current knowledge, and future frontiers - Revista Ecosistemas, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Biological invasions in intermittent rivers and streams: current knowledge, and future frontiers - Revista Ecosistemas

Preview of Bridging the gap: The integration of eDNA techniques and ... - Frontiers, accessed July 13, 2025,

Bridging the gap: The integration of eDNA techniques and ... - Frontiers, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Bridging the gap: The integration of eDNA techniques and ... - Frontiers

Preview of Bridging the gap: The integration of eDNA techniques and traditional sampling in fish diversity analysis - Frontiers, accessed August 10, 2025

Bridging the gap: The integration of eDNA techniques and traditional sampling in fish diversity analysis - Frontiers, accessed August 10, 2025

Contextual Support Journal

biodiversity - Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed July 23, 2025

Preview of Dams and Lake Ecosystems: Ecological Changes and Biodiversity Loss - HomeWater, accessed July 13, 2025,

Dams and Lake Ecosystems: Ecological Changes and Biodiversity Loss - HomeWater, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

CCB Working Area - Eutrophication

Preview of Developing an eDNA tool to monitor red toxic microalgae Heterosigma akashiwo in aquaculture farms., accessed July 13, 2025,

Developing an eDNA tool to monitor red toxic microalgae Heterosigma akashiwo in aquaculture farms., accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Government

Developing an eDNA tool to monitor red toxic microalgae Heterosigma akashiwo in aquaculture farms.

Preview of eDNA explained: unlocking nature's hidden biodiversity - CSIRO, accessed August 12, 2025

eDNA explained: unlocking nature's hidden biodiversity - CSIRO, accessed August 12, 2025

Contextual Support Government

eDNA explained: unlocking nature's hidden biodiversity - CSIRO

Preview of Enhance farm dams 13 ANU Sustainable Farms, accessed July 13, 2025,

Enhance farm dams 13 ANU Sustainable Farms, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Enhance farm dams – ANU Sustainable Farms

Preview of Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology: Fisheries and aquaculture perspectives - IJAH, accessed August 10, 2025, )-Rev.pdf

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology: Fisheries and aquaculture perspectives - IJAH, accessed August 10, 2025, )-Rev.pdf

Contextual Support

eDNA testing helping to create healthy farm dams - Landcare Australia

Preview of Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology: Fisheries and aquaculture perspectives - Indian Journal of Animal Health, accessed July 13, 2025, )-Rev.pdf

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology: Fisheries and aquaculture perspectives - Indian Journal of Animal Health, accessed July 13, 2025, )-Rev.pdf

Methodology Source GreyLiterature

Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology: Fisheries and aquaculture perspectives - Indian Journal of Animal Health

Preview of Expert commentary: Invasive species driving Australian biodiversity loss - CSIRO, accessed July 13, 2025

Expert commentary: Invasive species driving Australian biodiversity loss - CSIRO, accessed July 13, 2025

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Environmental DNA provides higher resolution assessment of riverine biodiversity and ecosystem function via spatio-temporal nestedness and turnover partitioning

Preview of Farm Dam eDNA Biodiversity Report July 2019 - EnviroDNA, accessed July 13, 2025,

Farm Dam eDNA Biodiversity Report July 2019 - EnviroDNA, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Farm Dam eDNA Biodiversity Report July 2019 - EnviroDNA, accessed July 13, 2025,

Preview of Farm Dams 13; A Haven for Wetland Species 13; Watershed Landcare Incorporated, accessed July 13, 2025,

Farm Dams 13; A Haven for Wetland Species 13; Watershed Landcare Incorporated, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Farm Dams – A Haven for Wetland Species – Watershed Landcare Incorporated

Preview of Guidance document for assessing and managing water quality in temporary waters, accessed July 13, 2025,

Guidance document for assessing and managing water quality in temporary waters, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Guidance document for assessing and managing water quality in temporary waters

Preview of Guidance document for assessing and managing water quality in temporary waters, accessed July 16, 2025,

Guidance document for assessing and managing water quality in temporary waters, accessed July 16, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Guidance document for assessing and managing water quality in temporary waters, accessed July 10, 2025,

Preview of How farm dams can maintain biodiversity on farm - The Beef Site, accessed July 13, 2025,

How farm dams can maintain biodiversity on farm - The Beef Site, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

How farm dams can maintain biodiversity on farm - The Beef Site

Preview of Improving Biodiversity of Farm Dams - Murray Wildlife, accessed July 13, 2025,

Improving Biodiversity of Farm Dams - Murray Wildlife, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Improving Biodiversity of Farm Dams - Murray Wildlife

Preview of Integrating environmental DNA science into Australia's marine parks: a roadmap - CSIRO, accessed July 13, 2025,

Integrating environmental DNA science into Australia's marine parks: a roadmap - CSIRO, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Integrating environmental DNA science into Australia's marine parks: a roadmap - CSIRO

Preview of Invasive species, problematic native species, and diseases | Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed July 13, 2025,

Invasive species, problematic native species, and diseases | Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

Invasive species, problematic native species, and diseases | Australia state of the environment 2021

Preview of Monitoring riverine fish communities through eDNA metabarcoding: determining optimal sampling strategies along an altitudinal and biodiversity gradient

Monitoring riverine fish communities through eDNA metabarcoding: determining optimal sampling strategies along an altitudinal and biodiversity gradient

Contextual Support

eDNA as a tool for identifying freshwater species in sustainable forestry - USDA Forest Service

Preview of Nutrient limitation and interactions with organic matter and sediments within dryland streams of the Pilbara region of northwest - the UWA Profiles and Research Repository - The University of Western Australia, accessed July 21, 2025

Nutrient limitation and interactions with organic matter and sediments within dryland streams of the Pilbara region of northwest - the UWA Profiles and Research Repository - The University of Western Australia, accessed July 21, 2025

Contextual Support

Exploring the potential of metabarcoding to disentangle macroinvertebrate community dynamics in intermittent streams

Preview of Results — Great Australian Wildlife Search, accessed July 20, 2025

Results — Great Australian Wildlife Search, accessed July 20, 2025

Methodology Source Journal

Report Interpretation Guide - Nature Metrics

Preview of Strategies for promoting sustainable aquaculture in arid and semi-arid areas, accessed July 20, 2025,

Strategies for promoting sustainable aquaculture in arid and semi-arid areas, accessed July 20, 2025,

Regulatory Framework

Assessing Environmental Regulatory Arrangements for Aquaculture | Productivity Commission

Preview of What is eutrophication in agriculture? - Quora, accessed July 13, 2025,

What is eutrophication in agriculture? - Quora, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support GreyLiterature

What is eutrophication in agriculture? - Quora

Preview of Wildlife and Farm Dams - SWIFFT, accessed July 13, 2025,

Wildlife and Farm Dams - SWIFFT, accessed July 13, 2025,

Contextual Support Journal

The multiple benefits of restoring habitat on farms

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Semi-Arid Shrublands & Open Woodlands
Land Use Aquaculture
Assessment Pristine Reference
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 23 Mar 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: invasive vertebrate species richness equals or exceeds native species richness (ratio ≤1), absence of sensitive native taxa, or dominance by taxa associated with severe eutrophication. Optimal Range: high native biodiversity, minimal invasive species, community providing ecosystem services. Upper Detrimental Threshold: compositional limit reached when invasive, pathogenic, or nuisance species dominate or when native guilds negatively impact aquaculture production. No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TSW-AQU-DNA family.