QEII High School students to trace hidden freshwater wildlife using DNA

A-level students at QEII High School are going to search the island’s freshwater habitats for animals by testing for the traces of DNA they leave behind, Energy FM has reported.

The scheme, Freshwater Forensics, brings the school together with two Manx charities, Manx National Heritage and Manx Wildlife Trust. It is backed by Taxa Genomics, a firm that specialises in environmental DNA (eDNA) testing.

Eleven students are involved. Energy FM said they will decide where samples are collected and will interpret the findings themselves. The aim is to help researchers confirm the presence of rarely seen creatures in locations such as Laxey Wheel and the Calf of Man.

Taxa Genomics scientist Niamh Rowe said those behind the project hoped it would “help inspire the next generation of Manx conservationists and scientists”. She added that it would also build up biodiversity records the charities could draw on when making conservation decisions in future.

Graham Makepeace-Warne, who leads Manx Wildlife Trust as chief executive, said: “The Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is an extraordinary living laboratory.”

The students intend to share what they learned at the 2026 Research Festival organised by University College Isle of Man. Running under the theme “Biosphere IOM”, the event will take place at the Villa Marina in October.