Patrick Cahill
Scientist - Marine Invasive Species and Anti-fouling Science
Qualifications
- PhD (Marine Science). University of Auckland, New Zealand 2013
- BSc (Hons) (Ecology and Zoology). University of Otago, New Zealand 2010
Role at Cawthron
Patrick is a scientist in the biosecurity team, whose main research interests pertain to antifouling science and marine invasive species management.
Patrick currently leads research projects that aim to identify “eco-friendly” antifouling formulations based on natural compounds and novel surface characteristics, assess the antifouling capacity of cultured shellfish, and develop a comprehensive suite of antifouling bioassays. He also participates in projects that evaluate marine biosecurity vector risks and identify invasive species that pose a high risk to aquaculture in New Zealand, and is available for commercial consulting in the wider biosecurity area.
Technical skills, experience and interests
- Developing “eco-friendly” antifouling technologies for use in aquaculture and more widely
- Marine biosecurity, with particular expertise in invasive sea squirt ecology
- Marine chemical ecology, especially the innate antifouling defences of marine organisms
- Marine larval biology and ecology
- Bioassay development
Publication links
- Moodie LWK, Trepos R, Cervin G, Bråthen KA, Lindgård B, Reiersen R, Cahill P and Pavia H, Hellio C, Svenson J 2017. Prevention of marine biofouling using the natural allelopathic compound batatasin-III and synthetic analogues. Journal of Natural Products. Volume 80, Issue 7. Pages 2001-2011.
- Moodie LWK, Trepos R, Cervin G, Larsen L, Larsen DS, Pavia H, Hellio C, Cahill P and Svenson J 2017. Probing the structure–activity relationship of the natural antifouling agent polygodial against both micro- and macrofoulers by semisynthetic modification. Journal of Natural Products. Volume 80, Issue 2. Pages 515-525.
- Cahill P, Heasman KG , Jeffs A and Kuhajek JM 2013. Laboratory assesment of the antifouling potential of a soluble-matrix paint laced with the natural compound polygodial. Biofouling 10.1080/08927014.2013.822488.
- Cahill P, Burritt D, Heasman KG , Jeffs A and Kuhajek JM 2013. Screening for antioxidant and detoxification responses in Perna canaliculus (Gmelin) exposed to an antifouling bioactive intended for use in aquaculture. Chemosphere 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.05.058.
- Cahill P 2013. Antifouling in aquaculture: developing novel methods to control fouling ascidians in aquaculture. PhD Thesis (Marine Science). Auckland: University of Auckland. 146 pages.
- Cahill P, Heasman KG , Hickey A, Mountfort D, Jeffs A and Kuhajek JM 2013. Screening for negative effects of candidate ascidian antifoulant compounds on a target aquaculture species, Perna canaliculus (Gmelin). Biofouling 29(1): 29-37. DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2012.744826.
- Cahill P, Heasman KG and others 2013. Laboratory assessment of the antifouling potential of a soluble-matrix paint laced with the natural compound polygodial. Biofouling 29(8): 967-975.
- Cahill P, Heasman KG , Jeffs A, Kuhajek JM and Mountfort D 2012. Preventing ascidian fouling in aquaculture: screening selected allelochemicals for anti-metamorphic properties in ascidian larvae. Biofouling 28(1): 39-49. DOI:10.1080/08927014.2011.648624.
- Cahill P, Heasman KG and others 2011. The development of an antifoulant for use in bivalve aquaculture based on the inhibition of metamorphosis in ascidian larvae by selected allelochemicals. Journal of Shellfish Research 30(2): 490-490.
- Smith KF, Cahill P and Fidler AE 2010. First record of the solitary ascidian Ciona savignyi Herdman, 1882 in the Southern Hemisphere. Aquatic Invasions 5: 363 – 368.
- Cahill P, Hurd CL and Lokman M 2010. Keeping the water clean - Seaweed biofiltration outperforms traditional bacterial biofilms in recirculating aquaculture. Aquaculture 306(1-4): 153-159.
View more publications

+64 3 548 2319 ext 383
patrick.cahill@cawthron.org.nz