Water » Biosecurity and Biofouling

Biosecurity is the protection of New Zealand’s ecological, economic, social, and cultural values from the impacts of non-indigenous pests and diseases. Our team has an extensive track record in science and policy advice across the biosecurity system. We work with local and central government, industry, and Māori to quantify biosecurity threats and to develop cost-effective measures for preventing the establishment, spread and impacts of non-indigenous and unwanted organisms. Our experts have led or collaborated in research and consultancy projects relating to many areas of biosecurity management and invasion ecology, including:

Incursion response and pest population management
Pathway modelling and pathway management
Biosecurity risks associated with expansion of coastal infrastructure and industrial activities
Design and implementation of biological baseline and target surveillance programmes
Development of biosecurity management plans and protocols for the shipping, aquaculture, and offshore energyindustries
Achieving behaviour change for better biosecurity outcomes

Biofouling is a costly challenge for all maritime industries due to its impacts on ships’ fuel efficiency, aquaculture operations and welfare, and maintenance costs of coastal and offshore infrastructure. Our team has a 20-year track record in:

Biofouling management for maritime shipping, boating, and aquaculture operations–strategy, tools, and tactics
Evaluation of antifouling technologies and in-water cleaning or treatment tools for shipping and aquaculture
Biofouling surveys and inspections of vessels, coastal and offshore infrastructure, and aquaculture facilities

We have an extensive professional network and can design and deliver complex projects that extend beyond our core expertise. This includes genomic and eDNA research and analysis, taxonomy, hydrodynamic modelling, engineering and AI solutions.

View recent projects and outputs – Biosecurity and Biofouling