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

Biosecurity is the protection of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna and economically important biological industries against invasion by unwanted foreign organisms.

The Biosecurity and Biotechnology Group focuses on research and advice for the biosecurity of aquatic ecosystems, seafood safety and biotechnology. Cawthron is renowned for research on marine biosecurity, algal blooms, biotoxin chemistry, and novel marine compounds. Cawthron also holds a nationally significant culture collection of micro-algae for New Zealand.

The Biosecurity and Biotechnology Group uses funding from the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology, government agencies, and seafood, shipping and port companies, often in collaboration with other research providers to find solutions to keep New Zealand’s waters commercially productive and recreationally enjoyable.

Key areas of expertise include:

Marine Biosecurity

	High risk vector management strategies
	Incursion response tools
	Biosecurity management plans
	Pest management strategies
	Shellfish parasites and diseases
	Policy advice

Seafood Safety

	Harmful algal blooms
	Phytoplankton and toxin identification
	Biotoxin chemistry and management
	Biochemical and molecular probes
	Cawthron Institute culture collection of micro-algae (CICCM)
	Bulk culturing

Biotechnology

	Molecular probes for unwanted species
	Biosensors and molecular tools
	Marine bioactive compounds
	Isolation of novel enzymes
	Hydrogen and biomass from microalgae