News Archives

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.

Our PhD student Michelle Scriver presents her work at an international eDNA webinar

25/05/2022

Watch Michelle's talk on experimental study of environmental DNA & RNA fate for biosecurity applications, presented at the first Australia & New Zealand eDNA webinar.

Experimental insights on effective eDNA/eRNA capture from seawater samples

19/05/2022

An experimental study was conducted to test different filter membranes for capturing eDNA/eRNA in the context of cost/time effort and cell fractions encountered in nature. For the first time a formal efficiency modelling was applied in eDNA and eRNA research to assist decision-making around an optimized sampling approach.

Biological control (biocontrol) in our marinas – making it a reality

13/04/2022

Learn why our scientists design Japanese obstacle courses for predatory snails and investigate nutritional value of marine biofouling.

Meet Gerd Banke – Nelson science teacher on a marine biosecurity mission

05/04/2022

With the experienced science teacher onboard we are aiming to develop an engaging educational toolkit that brings eDNA technologies into the classroom, introducing students to the cutting edge molecular technologies and building up a strong sense of kaitiakitanga for their local environment.

From forensic science to marine biosecurity – a new PhD researcher Michelle Scriver joins the team!

20/02/2022

Welcome our new PhD researcher - Michelle Scriver. By answering critical questions regarding eDNA distribution in coastal waters and where, when, and how to sample, her project will contribute to optimized and more efficient detection of marine pests.

The journey of eDNA marine intruder to the classroom

23/12/2021

In the last two years the Detect team worked towards integrating DNA (eDNA) tools into New Zealand schools’ curriculum. The scientists have actively engaged with a range of schools and year groups to showcase a variety of marine biosecurity concepts and detection tools, including eDNA technologies.

To clean or not to clean: views of boat owners in keeping boat hulls free of biofouling organisms

14/12/2021

Researchers from the MANAGE AND RESPOND and ECONOMICS AND DECISION SUPPORT teams have joined forces to work towards an understanding of the factors that encourage or discourage hull cleaning behavior of the recreational boat owners in New Zealand.

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