Final MBT Annual General Meeting
We held the final AGM for the Marine Biosecurity Toolbox project, after five years of intensive research and collaborations.
Environmental DNA–RNA dynamics provide insights for effective monitoring of marine invasive species
In this most recent publication of our PhD student Michelle Scriver, we used permeable dialysis bags to simulate real-world environmental conditions and field storage to understand eDNA/eRNA dynamics.
Showcasing our research at the first Fiordland Marine Research Symposium
We were showcasing our research from collaborative expeditions at the first Fiordland Marine Research Symposium in Te Anau, hosted by the Fiordland Marine Guardians and Department of Conservation.
Drop it all: extraction-free detection of targeted marine species through optimized direct droplet digital PCR
In partnership with Nucleic Sensing Systems, our research team demonstrated the ability to detect species-specific marine environmental DNA (eDNA) directly from water samples, eliminating the need for extraction!
Filter no more: A modified plankton sampler for rapid in-water eDNA capture
A cruising speed net (CSN) device with a modified cod-end provides a streamlined process that combines high-speed towing with innovative filtration, showcasing the potential to transform the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of eDNA isolation.
Harnessing environmental DNA to reveal biogeographical patterns of non‑indigenous species for improved co‑governance of the marine environment in Aotearoa New Zealand
A case study on using eDNA to enhance marine biosecurity in New Zealand has recently been published in collaboration with the Sea Education Association, Woods Hole, the Northland Regional Council and Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust.
Wānanga at the Otawhiwhi Marae in Tauranga
As part of the MBIE-funded ‘Transforming Coastal Monitoring’ research programme, the Detect team went on another mission of eDNA outreach to the Otawhiwhi Marae in Tauranga Moana to showcase some of the eDNA tools developed in the Biosecurity Toolbox programme.
A new generation of eDNA detectives at the Cawthron Inspire festival
The Marine Biosecurity Toolbox “Detect” team recently held an environmental DNA (eDNA) biosecurity workshop during the CAWTHRON INSPIRE Festival.
Marine Biosecurity Toolbox equips Curious Minds project to ignite students’ interest in marine conservation
Collaboration with the Sails for Science NZ outreach program, engaging year 10 students in student-led detection of invasive species in the marine environment using molecular surveillance.
Pest Alert Tool—a web-based application for flagging species of concern in metabarcoding datasets
A new online tool called the Pest Alert Tool has been developed to screen high-throughput sequencing datasets for species of concern, providing a valuable resource for biodiversity management.