DETECT Archives

From North to South – scientists set sail for two collaborative expeditions

01/11/2021

In 2021, the DETECT team had a big year on the water participating in two research expeditions, in two very distant and ecologically different areas of Aotearoa: Northland and Fiordland. These expeditions allowed us to collect valuable data on distribution of the high-profile non-indigenous species while testing our optimized molecular surveillance tools and protocols.

Lessons from an international cross-laboratory experiment on delivering reproducible metabarcoding data

20/08/2021

Acknowledging the need for a coordinated effort to accelerate the uptake of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) based tools for biodiversity surveys and biosecurity applications, an international cross-laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate replicability of a metabarcoding protocol and explore how laboratory-based variance in sample handling and processing impacts biodiversity assessments.

Joint Microplastics and Marine Biosecurity expedition

07/06/2021

Our 12-14 day expedition will collect microplastics and biosecurity data in the Hauraki Gulf & Islands areas and Whangarei, whilst exploring the wider marine environment of coastal Greater Auckland and Northland. This interdisciplinary oceanic research expedition aims to inspire and engage the public and educate people about the importance of working collaboratively to preserve a healthy ocean.

Towards the optimization of eDNA/eRNA sampling technologies for marine biosecurity surveillance

19/04/2021

An open-access peer-reviewed publication aimed to facilitate dialogue and innovation within this sector by reviewing current approaches for sample collection, post-sampling capture and concentration of eDNA, preservation, and extraction, all through a biosecurity monitoring lens.

Development of the point-of-need detection assay for the invasive Mediterranean fanworm

11/03/2021

Follow-up updates on the development and testing of the point-of-need molecular assay for detecting the invasive Mediterranean fanworm from environmental samples.

Sampling optimization for molecular biosecurity surveillance – results from an expedition onboard the Robert C. Seamans (SEA, Woods Hole)

11/03/2021

In February 2020, our postdoc Ulla von Ammon embarked the Robert C. Seamans sailing ship to collect samples for comparing different sampling approaches. The first results of this study were recently presented at the DNAQUA International Conference.

Teaming-up with the Five Million: Exploring motivation of Kiwis to participate in the detection of marine pests

14/12/2020

To get a glimpse of citizens’ attitudes towards biosecurity in the marine environment and marine pest detection activities, the programme team run a focus group in collaboration with partner schools in Nelson.

Chasing eDNA signal of the Mediterranean fanworm in the Bay of islands

08/11/2020

We have started to employ modelling approaches to better understand and predict the dispersal of eDNA in the marine environment. Learn about our first field sampling campaign for testing whether the developed model can robustly predict where and when in the tidal cycle eDNA can be detected.

Right on-the-spot! How a human biologist became engaged in developing a rapid molecular test for marine pest detection

30/10/2020

Learn how Martin Zirngibl is contributing his knowledge and skills gained in a human biology field to developing a rapid and easy-to-apply in-field test for the Mediterranean fanworm detection.

From teachers to students: weaving biosecurity knowledge into the future

15/10/2020

We have commenced a series of hands-on activities with partner teachers to introduce them to key concepts in marine ecology and biosecurity, molecular methods and useful resources for incorporation into the schools’ curriculum and for future citizen scientists engaged in molecular biosecurity surveillance.

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