The Toolbox returns to Nayland

As part of a wider study programme that was developed by Nayland science teacher Gerd Banke in collaboration with the Marine Biosecurity Toolbox project and which includes lessons about biosecurity, biodiversity, molecular tools and eDNA to detect invasive species and interwoven with Vision Matauranga, the Cawthron scientists returned to Nayland College for the practical outreach day of the school year. About 250 year nine college students had again hands-on experience using marine biosecurity tools to identify pest species that inhabit our coastal waters. The full-day of workshops involved examining plates of biofouling with microscopes, magnifying glasses and touch to determine the species living on them, as compared to the more modern, less visible, method of collecting eDNA to determine what is lurking in the water. For the scientists involved in the workshop its a great chance to share their work with students who might not otherwise be aware of the marine biosecurity issues affecting their environment and all the amazing new technologies including eDNA that become available to detect these organisms.

Therese Miller guiding the students through pipetting tiny volumes of reagents. Glenis Paul explaining which organisms settle as biofouling. And the whole Cawthron and teacher team that brought all the enthusiasm along for the day.