News Archives

Harnessing decay rates for coastal marine biosecurity applications: A review of environmental DNA and RNA fate

15/04/2023

A review on the degradation mechanisms and fate of environmental nucleic acids (eNAs) in the marine environment, providing guidelines for accurate decay rates and emphasizing their importance in building effective marine biosecurity tools for target detection and biodiversity assessment.

Environmental DNA tools embark on BLAKE expedition to the Subantarctic

01/03/2023

Marine Biosecurity Toolbox scientist Dr Ulla von Ammon joined the BLAKE Expedition and shared with the expedition team the eDNA tools, including the newly designed Cruising Speed Net, for detecting unwanted organisms in marine environments.

New best-practice guidelines for environmental DNA testing in Australia and New Zealand aim to enhance quality assurance and decision-making

10/02/2023

Newly introduced best-practice guidelines for environmental DNA (eDNA) testing in Australia and New Zealand provide standardized methods and quality assurance measures to support pest detection, biodiversity monitoring, and species identification.

Celebrating success – for the third time!

10/11/2022

Catch up on the research highlights from our third programme year, which we just collectively celebrated at Patuharakeke Iwi's Takahiwai Marae in Northland!

Harnessing passive sampling and DNA extraction innovations for eDNA-based surveillance

10/09/2022

A recent study explored new methods for marine surveillance using eDNA. The researchers compared traditional filtration methods with passive sampling and self-contained DNA extraction. Passive sampling using materials like artificial sponges and fishing nets showed similar results to active filtration in detecting fish diversity. The study suggests that passive sampling is a promising approach for eDNA monitoring and contribute to improving non-invasive monitoring techniques for marine environments.

Nature inspired marine antifouling solutions

18/07/2022

Watch the video voiced by doctoral candidate Joe Rawlinson, which describes the problem of marine biofouling, existing control options, and nature-inspired antifouling solutions.

Biofouling formation and NIS recruitment on bio-polymers augmented with oyster shells

12/07/2022

The results of our recent experimental study suggest that bio-based polymers and composites with increased potential for biodegradability, recyclability, and aptitude for the selective recruitment of marine invertebrates might offer a sustainable alternative to conventional polymers.

Data from New Zealand’s largest recreational vessel survey are in!

26/06/2022

Our programme's recreational vessel survey received over 1,800 individual responses from throughout the country. To our knowledge, they represent the largest recreational vessel movement dataset ever collected.

Training and operational resources for application of the LOF scale

24/06/2022

On 20 June, around twenty biosecurity and technical diving specialists from around New Zealand attended a 1-day workshop in Manukau to discuss boat biofouling and the Level of Fouling (LOF) rank scale. The workshop addressed the range of approaches for vessel hull surveys in NZ and the design of operational and training resources for use of the LOF scale.

A rapid molecular assay for detecting the Mediterranean fanworm developed by DETECT team and trialed by non-scientist users

22/06/2022

Learn about the new species-specific recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay designed for the fanworm detection from eDNA samples and insights on its applicability for citizen scientists-driven biosecurity surveillance.

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