From simple tools to advanced technologies

Cawthron Institute has led the way in the development of tests, tools and treatment methods to manage marine pest incursions. 

Simple tools:

• Plastic encapsulation of marine structures (e.g. marina pontoons, vessels) that have been colonised by pests
• Hull cleaning devices that retain biofouling once removed from a vessel
• Heat treatment of organisms that occur in vessel sea chests. Read more in news
• Spraying/immersion of mussel seed stock in fresh water and using eco-friendly chemicals
• Spraying/immersion of fishing, diving and other recreational equipment with household detergents to prevent incursions into Fiordland
• BioBullets (fat-coated capsules containing salt-based toxins) developed in collaboration with Dr David Aldridge from the University of Cambridge

Advanced technologies:

• Development and testing of natural anti-fouling compounds
• Super-hydrophobic plasma-polymerised coatings to prevent biofouling
• Elicitor compounds to turn on natural anti-fouling defences in cultured mussels
• The use of indigenous organisms for biological control