DOC and Cawthron strengthen collaboration to support aquatic conservation science  

The agreement reflects the strong alignment between DOC’s mission, Te orango o te ao tūroa | Nature is thriving, and Cawthron’s science mission to support thriving aquatic ecosystems. It sets out how the two organisations will work together on shared priorities, including research that improves outcomes for aquatic species and ecosystems, strengthens the management of conservation threats, and supports practical action.  

Cawthron Chief Science Officer Dr Cath McLeod says the agreement provides a stronger foundation for collaboration. 

“Cawthron and DOC share a strong commitment to protecting and enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s aquatic environments. This agreement gives us a clearer framework for working together on the science needed to understand and manage threats to indigenous biodiversity, and to turn that knowledge into practical conservation outcomes.” 

DOC Director Marine and Freshwater Biodiversity Kirstie Knowles says the agreement will help both organisations work more efficiently on shared priorities. 

“DOC relies on strong science partnerships to support effective conservation management. This agreement helps us align effort, share knowledge, and make it easier to progress research that supports indigenous aquatic biodiversity and the management of emerging threats.” 

The agreement outlines shared principles for collaboration, including openness and integrity, ethical research practice, coordinated information sharing, a “no surprises” approach, and regular review of progress, risks and opportunities. It also supports the development of joint research opportunities, improved information and data sharing, and more coordinated oversight of relevant research projects.  

It also provides greater clarity for research involving aquatic species in purpose-built facilities. For authorisations relating to the transfer of aquatic life to sites where those species do not naturally occur, Cawthron’s Aquaculture Park and Te Wero Aro-anamata are recognised as artificial aquatic environments.  

Recent work through the Cawthron-led Fish Futures research programme helped identify opportunities to improve how high-priority freshwater and fisheries research is enabled, including research involving invasive species management. This work contributed to broader conversations about how DOC and Cawthron could collaborate more strategically. 

Dr McLeod says the agreement is ultimately about making it easier for science to support conservation action. 

“This is about moving beyond project-by-project collaboration and creating the conditions for more strategic, efficient and impactful science. When we align our strengths and work well together, we can better support the health and resilience of Aotearoa New Zealand’s aquatic ecosystems.”