title: An expert-driven framework for applying eDNA tools to improve biosecurity in the Antarctic

authors: Clarke, Laurence J.

abstract: Signatories to the Antarctic Treaty System’s Environmental Protocol are committed to preventing incursions of non-native species into Antarctica, but systematic surveillance is rare. Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods provide new opportunities for enhancing detection of non-native species and biosecurity monitoring. To be effective for Antarctic biosecurity, eDNA tests must have appropriate sensitivity and specificity to distinguish non-native from native Antarctic species, and be fit-for-purpose. This requires knowledge of the priority risk species or taxonomic groups for which eDNA surveillance will be informative, validated eDNA assays for those species or groups, and reference DNA sequences for both target non-native and related native Antarctic species. Here, we used an expert elicitation process and decision-by-consensus approach to identify and assess priority biosecurity risks for the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) in East Antarctica, including identifying high priority non-native species and their potential transport pathways. We determined that the priority targets for biosecurity monitoring were not individual species, but rather broader taxonomic groups such as mussels (Mytilus species), tunicates (Ascidiacea), springtails (Collembola), and grasses (Poaceae). These groups each include multiple species with high risks of introduction to and/or establishment in Antarctica. The most appropriate eDNA methods for the AAP must be capable of detecting a range of species within these high-risk groups (e.g., eDNA metabarcoding). We conclude that the most beneficial Antarctic eDNA biosecurity applications include surveillance of marine species in nearshore environments, terrestrial invertebrates, and biofouling species on vessels visiting Antarctica. An urgent need exists to identify suitable genetic markers for detecting priority species groups, establish baseline terrestrial and marine biodiversity for Antarctic stations, and develop eDNA sampling methods for detecting biofouling organisms.

text: An expert-driven framework for applying eDNA tools to improve biosecurity in the Antarctic Signatories to the Antarctic Treaty System’s Environmental Protocol are committed to preventing incursions of non-native species into Antarctica, but systematic surveillance is rare. Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods provide new opportunities for enhancing detection of non-native species and biosecurity monitoring. To be effective for Antarctic biosecurity, eDNA tests must have appropriate sensitivity and specificity to distinguish non-native from native Antarctic species, and be fit-for-purpose. This requires knowledge of the priority risk species or taxonomic groups for which eDNA surveillance will be informative, validated eDNA assays for those species or groups, and reference DNA sequences for both target non-native and related native Antarctic species. Here, we used an expert elicitation process and decision-by-consensus approach to identify and assess priority biosecurity risks for the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) in East Antarctica, including identifying high priority non-native species and their potential transport pathways. We determined that the priority targets for biosecurity monitoring were not individual species, but rather broader taxonomic groups such as mussels (Mytilus species), tunicates (Ascidiacea), springtails (Collembola), and grasses (Poaceae). These groups each include multiple species with high risks of introduction to and/or establishment in Antarctica. The most appropriate eDNA methods for the AAP must be capable of detecting a range of species within these high-risk groups (e.g., eDNA metabarcoding). We conclude that the most beneficial Antarctic eDNA biosecurity applications include surveillance of marine species in nearshore environments, terrestrial invertebrates, and biofouling species on vessels visiting Antarctica. An urgent need exists to identify suitable genetic markers for detecting priority species groups, establish baseline terrestrial and marine biodiversity for Antarctic stations, and develop eDNA sampling methods for detecting biofouling organisms.

year: 2023-09-01

title: Kahokaho: ‘Ufi from the God/s; its future in the hands of people

authors: Vaioleti, Timote Masima

abstract: For people like the Tonga, planting the seeds and harvesting signifies being in harmony with nature and the gods who regulate the process with sufficient rains at the right time and measured amounts of sunshine that helps the plants prosper, in a cycle of life that repeats itself from year to year. Failing rains show that the harmony between men and the gods has been disturbed, and people are often able to appease the gods and restore the harmony of nature. But now that nature seems to be off-balance all the time people are bewildered, and Adult Education has to find new roads to help them understand the changed conditions and cope with them. Timote Masima Vaioleti, chairman of the Indigenous Maori and Pacific Education Charitable Trust (IMPAECT) in New Zealand, describes the challenge.

text: Kahokaho: ‘Ufi from the God/s; its future in the hands of people For people like the Tonga, planting the seeds and harvesting signifies being in harmony with nature and the gods who regulate the process with sufficient rains at the right time and measured amounts of sunshine that helps the plants prosper, in a cycle of life that repeats itself from year to year. Failing rains show that the harmony between men and the gods has been disturbed, and people are often able to appease the gods and restore the harmony of nature. But now that nature seems to be off-balance all the time people are bewildered, and Adult Education has to find new roads to help them understand the changed conditions and cope with them. Timote Masima Vaioleti, chairman of the Indigenous Maori and Pacific Education Charitable Trust (IMPAECT) in New Zealand, describes the challenge.

year: 2012

title: Development and care of pā harakeke in 19th century New Zealand: Voices from the past

authors: McAllum, Priscilla M

subjects: Raranga

abstract: Māori weaving is experiencing a resurgence. Some weavers are involved in the planting of pā harakeke so that they have a high quality resource on hand ready for use.  A number of recent scientific publications, undertaken jointly with weavers, have explored the unique fibre qualities of different harakeke varieties along with specific aspects of Māori use of these varieties. In this paper, I examine Māori planting practices of pā harakeke and other aspects of resource management as revealed in literature sources from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries.  Although some of the practices outlined here may have fallen into disuse over time, they may, nevertheless, continue to be appropriate for contemporary pā harakeke. It is hoped, therefore, that the information provided here will be of interest to contemporary weavers.

text: Development and care of pā harakeke in 19th century New Zealand: Voices from the past Māori weaving is experiencing a resurgence. Some weavers are involved in the planting of pā harakeke so that they have a high quality resource on hand ready for use.  A number of recent scientific publications, undertaken jointly with weavers, have explored the unique fibre qualities of different harakeke varieties along with specific aspects of Māori use of these varieties. In this paper, I examine Māori planting practices of pā harakeke and other aspects of resource management as revealed in literature sources from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries.  Although some of the practices outlined here may have fallen into disuse over time, they may, nevertheless, continue to be appropriate for contemporary pā harakeke. It is hoped, therefore, that the information provided here will be of interest to contemporary weavers.

year: 2005-02