Science Centres: Aquatic Biodiversity and Biosecurity

Don Robertson
General Manager, Biodiversity & Biosecurity

Human impacts on the marine environment, resulting in the loss of habitat, loss of biodiversity, and risks to many species, are one of the most serious issues facing the future health of our aquatic ecosystems. Related to this is the growing numbers of non-native invasive species that further threaten the integrity of these unique ecosystems and their associated productive industries.

In June, the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology announced the results of the Outcome-Based Investment (OBI) ecosystem research bidding process. NIWA had submitted a proposal for an aquatic biodiversity and biosecurity OBI, with Te Papa and Cawthron Institute. The Foundation has approved this approach for marine biodiversity and biosecurity funding for 12 years. The new OBI will address biodiversity and biosecurity issues for a wide range of ecosystems covering all marine habitats, from estuaries and coastal waters to ocean depths.

The OBI will provide research and information, services, and tools, identified within government strategies as necessary for effective marine policy implementation and management, so that New Zealanders can continue to enjoy the benefits of healthy, diverse, productive marine ecosystems. Over the next 12 years this OBI will address research challenges agreed by a range of stakeholders to help meet the marine goals of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, the Biosecurity Strategy (Tiakina Aotearoa), and departmental strategies (e.g., the Department of Conservation’s ‘Science Counts’, and the Ministry of Fisheries Marine Biodiversity Medium Term Research Plan).