News Archives

A framework for quantifying of marine biosecurity risk factors associated with common vessel types

05/10/2021

This publication synthesizes empirical data on a wide range of vessel types and characteristics to develop a framework that allows systematic quantification of the relative risk of NIS transfer by common commercial vessel types. A potential application of the framework for assigning a relative risk level for New Zealand ports, based on the arrival frequencies of different vessel types, is presented.

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.

Continuous bubble streams for controlling marine biofouling on static artificial structures

12/07/2021

An open-access peer-reviewed publication describing a series of laboratory and field trials that examine the efficacy of continuous bubble streams in maintaining artificial substrates free of macroscopic biofouling and demonstrating that this treatment approach is effective on surface types commonly used in the marine environment.

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.

Understanding the dynamics of NZ’s recreational vessel transport network: a case study around the iconic Great Barrier Island

01/06/2021

In his honours project, Cal Faubel uses network and epidemiological modelling approaches to shed some light on these questions by characterizing New Zealand’s domestic marine transport network, beginning with a focus on recreational vessels.

New PhD researcher joins the Toolbox Team – welcome Kyle Hilliam!

20/05/2021

Meet our new team member. In his project, Kyle will apply network modelling approach to understand the dynamics of the maritime transport system (with the focus on recreational vessel movements) for efficient and effective management of the biosecurity risks.

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.

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