Ms Michelle Scriver1,2,3, Dr. Xavier Pochon2,3, Dr. Ulla von Ammon2, Dr. Jo-Ann L. Stanton4, Dr. Neil Gemmel4, Dr. Anastasija Zakio1
1Sequench, Nelson, New Zealand, 2Marine Biosecurity Toolbox Research Programme, Biosecurity Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand, 3Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand, 4Marine Biosecurity Toolbox Research Programme, Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Biography:
Michelle Scriver is the lab manager and research scientist at Sequench, an eDNA/eRNA laboratory located at the Top of the South Island, New Zealand. She recently submitted her PhD in September 2024, focusing on optimizing eDNA/eRNA techniques for marine biosecurity, a project conducted in collaboration with the Cawthron Institute and the University of Auckland. Michelle is an enthusiastic scientist dedicated to collaborative research, aiming to develop scientifically robust and innovative technologies that enhance our understanding of the natural world.
Abstract:
The distribution of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) is accelerating globally, causing ecological changes detrimental to a vast array of marine ecosystems. To support timely marine NIS detection and stem their spread, molecular detection methods incorporating environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) are being introduced to biosecurity applications. These analyses offer scalable and efficient community screening and targeted NIS detection for biosecurity monitoring, control, and management practices. Despite the advantages of molecular detection tools, uncertainties in sampling design and interpretation, caused by a limited understanding of eDNA/eRNA ecology, hinder their widespread adoption. Our research programme sought to optimize eDNA/eRNA sampling approaches and designs for marine biosecurity by exploring the eDNA/eRNA ecosystem. This research focused on expanding our understanding of how, when, and where to sample to improve marine NIS detection in coastal waters. Through a series of experiments, we tested and evaluated in-situ detection dynamics to refine data interpretation, adjusted surveillance designs (i.e., sampling times and locations) within a harbour, and investigated the feasibility of innovative technologies and simplified fit-for-purpose workflows for marine biomonitoring and surveillance. These experiments identified key factors—such as environmental conditions, eDNA/eRNA ecology, and organism characteristics—that influence detection dynamics, impacting sampling efficiency and data interpretation. The derived knowledge has led to the development of a decision-support workflow, which will be presented and discussed, to aid biosecurity practitioners in designing efficient detection surveys and adhering to current best practices in eDNA/eRNA biomonitoring applications.