Safety
Remember, your safety is the number 1 priority. If a sampling site feels unsafe, do not proceed.
Before you sign-up as a citizen scientist, please watch the eDNA Water Sampling Tutorial and Safety Video below.
Top safety tips when accessing a sampling site:
Always park your car in a safe place that is close to your site and clear of other traffic.
Never access a sampling site on your own. While eDNA sampling is very safe, accidents can happen, and it is important to always have someone looking out for you.
Make sure that you are dressed appropriately - we encourage you to wear sturdy shoes, long pants and a hat.
Assess the site for any hazards, i.e. slippery or steep banks, high waters, snakes, dangerous insects or fallen branches and don’t forget to look up for any dangerous tree limbs!
Please make sure you are up to date with COVID-19 restrictions in your area. For current Victorian Government guidelines, click here.
In case of an emergency, call 000.
If you cannot safely access your site…
If you cannot safely access the water at your allocated site, you can move up to 500m up or down stream to a safer area, this will still be considered the same site. Please do not enter private property unless you have permission.
If your site is still not appropriate for sampling, please use your local knowledge to choose another site on the same waterway within ~5km. Please note the new location on your samples and via the app (app should automatically record your location).