Field work and experiments Archives

Eco-engineering to enhance valued native species on artificial structures

09/06/2021

Learn about PhD project of Dayanitha Damodaran, investigating the habitat requirements of the endemic, green-lipped mussel. Her work will help in designing eco-engineered artificial structures that will encourage settlement of this culturally and economically valued species.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding habitat features of native mussel reefs

29/09/2020

Our project is making a start using the endemic, green-lipped mussel (kutai) to develop artificial surfaces that are attractive to native species and make them want to settle and stay for the long haul. Such surfaces can then be incorporated into coastal infrastructure, a process referred to as ‘ecological engineering’.

Crack open the bubbles – it works!

25/09/2020

Our recent experimental trials demonstrate that bubble streams are highly effective in controlling biofouling accumulation on experimental surfaces, and we are now keenly focused on developing operational systems to deploy in New Zealand’s ports and marinas

Better ways to capture DNA and RNA from water – collaboration with Dr. Holly Bowers from Moss Landing Marine Labs

22/09/2020

Holly Bowers joined our group as a visiting researcher and worked with the DETECT and ECONOMICS & DECISION-SUPPORT teams to define better (and more efficient) methods to capture nucleic acids (environmental DNA and RNA) from marine waters.

Sampling for biosecurity onboard the Robert C. Seamans (SEA, Woods Hole)

05/03/2020

Our PostDoc researcher Ulla von Ammon has taken part in the SEA Semester® research cruise organized by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Ulla shared with us challenges and exciting moments experienced during the expedition. Do you want to learn more about how does it feel to be a molecular scientist on a sailing ship?

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