Cawthron, biosecurity and biotechnology, overview, molecular probe, marine bioinvasion, pest management.

Aquatic Biotechnologies focuses on new environmental monitoring tools, management of risks to seafood safety and exports, and research and development on algal technologies. Aquatic Biotechnologies utilises funding from the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science & Technology (FRST), government agencies and industry partners to find solutions to keep New Zealand’s waters commercially productive and recreationally enjoyable.

Environmental Monitoring Tools

	Research and development that utilises novel technologies for new environmental monitoring tools, including:
	- Microbial Source Tracking (MST) to identify sources of faecal contamination in freshwater and marine environments for local government and industry
	- Biosensors and molecular detection technologies for harmful marine and freshwater microalgae, pests and invasive species
	- Molecular-based indices for environmental monitoring

Seafood Safety

	Cawthron provides research and advice that ensures the safety and quality of New Zealand’s seafood products and their access in key international markets, including:
	- Phytoplankton taxonomy and phytoplankton ecology
	- Harmful algal blooms – early warning systems for shellfish industry and regulatory bodies
	- Rapid detection techniques for harmful algal species
	- Marine biotoxin chemistry, toxin profiles (HPLC and LC-MS) and analytical laboratory services for routine testing and regulation
	- Advice to accurately inform regulators on the risks to human health posed by microalgae biotoxins in shellfish

Algal Technologies

	Cawthron provides research on the development of new products based on the production, biology and biochemistry of freshwater and marine microalgae.
	- Cultivation and production techniques for microalgae
	- Biotoxin production and extraction of unique compounds
	- Chemical ecology, biotoxin chemistry and enzymology of microalgae (e.g. bioactives, biosensors, renewable energy)
	- Targeted discovery of novel toxins (e.g. bioactives for drug design) and enzyme products (e.g. carbohydrases, lipases)
	- Cryopreservation techniques of microalgae strains

Cawthron Micro-algae Collection

The Cawthron Institute Culture Collection of Micro-algae is a nationally significant living collection which contains nine classes of marine and freshwater micro-algae, including cyanobacteria. The collection houses micro-algae with the capability to produce valuable bioactive compounds and supports identification of algae in routine water samples.