Environmental DNA (eDNA) has moved rapidly from a promising research tool to an increasingly mainstream approach for assessing freshwater ecosystems. However, one of the main challenges that remain is not the science itself, but translating that science into practical, repeatable and defensible monitoring programmes that can be used by consultants, councils and communities. In a manner that instils trust and confidence in everyone along the way.

In this presentation, Dr Andy Hicks, Principal Ecologist at Stradegy Planning Ltd, describes New Zealand's journey towards operationalising eDNA for freshwater monitoring. Drawing on experience from regional council monitoring programmes, central government investments, ecological consultancy projects, and national collaborations between scientists, practitioners and laboratories, Andy explores the technical, funding, governance and implementation challenges that are being overcome along the way.

The presentation covers the development of standardised field protocols, approaches to quality assurance and data interpretation, the integration of emerging eDNA indicators with traditional monitoring frameworks, and lessons learned from applying eDNA across a wide range of freshwater environments.

The result has been the establishment of a practical and consistent monitoring approach that are now supporting both ecological effects assessments and long-term State of the Environment monitoring programmes across New Zealand.