– ABOUT

DNA barcoding

With over 2 million species on Earth, only half have been identified using traditional taxonomy. DNA barcoding can accelerate biodiversity discovery, benefiting industries like mining, fisheries, and forestry.

Led by Professor Andrew Lowe from the University of Adelaide, this project focused on:

1. Verifying timber origins to combat illegal trading.
2. Authenticating fish labeling and origin in the retail market.
3. Mapping plant biodiversity in the Pilbara for mine site environmental management.
4. Assessing invertebrate impact on underground aquifers.
5. Generating orchid barcodes for conservation.

Bioplatforms Australia managed this initiative launched in 2020, partnering with institutions including Kings Park Botanic Garden, CSIRO, Australian Tropical Herbarium, South Australian Museum, ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, and WA Department of Parks and Wildlife. The project was supported by Fortescue Metals Group, the Australian Government, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities, FORDA, and DoubleHelix Tracking Technologies.