Photo by Paul McNabb
Photo by Shaun Ogilvie
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Tetrodotoxin in seafood
Collaborators: Hauraki Māori Trust Board, Cawthron Institute and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Project Description: In 2009, a spate of dog deaths at beaches in the Hauraki Gulf was linked to tetrodotoxin in sea slugs. Eco Research, in collaboration with the above research partners, was subsequently approached by the Hauraki Māori Trust Board to investigate whether this toxin was also present in harvested food (kaimoana) in the Gulf and if so, the potential for humans to be poisoned from consuming these species. This research resulted in the identification of tetrodotoxin in a number of intertidal species. In particular, this toxin was identified in the commonly harvested pipi. However, it was established that a 70 kg person would have to consume 5-20 kg of pipi meat at one time to have a 50% chance of succumbing to the toxin, which was considered by the community to be unlikely to occur in one sitting. Further Info: Project brief, report and documentary 
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Photo by Shaun Ogilvie
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HSNO Hearings
Project Description: Shaun is a member of the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Committee. This role involves making decisions on the import and use of hazardous substances and new organisms in New Zealand. Further info:
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Photo by Cheri van Schravendijk-Goodman
Photo by Cheri van Schravendijk-Goodman
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Development of a 'natural' vertebrate pest control toxin from native tutu plants
Collaborators: Lincoln University, Cawthron Institute and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Project Description: Some Māori have concerns with how the use of current vertebrate pest control toxins may affect the mauri (life-force), kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection), wairua (spirit/soul) and tikanga (customs and practices) of a controlled area. Some question why toxins such as 1080 are used when there are potentially ‘natural’ toxins (as opposed to synthetically derived products) already in forests that could be used instead. Research by Eco Research and collaborators has therefore been undertaken in consultation with Māori communities, who have an extensive understanding of native plant toxins through rōngoa (traditional medicine), to identify potential native plant toxins. This research has identified the plant tutu (which contains the toxin tutin) as having the most potential as a vertebrate pest control toxin. Research is currently underway looking at the efficacy of this toxin for a range of mammalian pests, as well as the practical and financial feasibility of using this toxin. Further Info: Phase 1 summary |
Photo by Benie Chambers
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Researching the sustainability of new marine fish traps
Collaborators: Waikawa Fishing Company, Cawthron Institute and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Project Description: The Māori-owned Waikawa Fishing Company were concerned that the conventional fishing methods of trawling were inefficient (e.g., requiring high fuel consumption to carry out) and resulted in effects on the environment (e.g., by-catch and damage to the seabed). Eco Research Associates and the Cawthron Institute were consequently approached by the company to assess the suitability of a new fishing method, developed through the company's long history and extensive knowledge of fishing in their local area. Research involved comparing the environmental effects (primarily using video analysis) and economics of trawling versus the new trap method. It was concluded that the new method resulted in lower environmental impacts and greater catch efficiencies. |
Photo by Shaun Ogilvie
Photo by Shaun Ogilvie
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Uptake and persistence of 1080 in plants of cultural importance
Collaborators Animal Health Board, Lake Waikaremoana Hapū Restoration Trust and Tūhoe Tuawhenua Trust Project Description: Sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) is used in New Zealand to control vertebrate pests, such as possums, and is aerially applied in cereal baits over forested areas. One area of interest for Māori communties, is the potential uptake of 1080 by plants that are used for food or medicine. A number of plants were therefore investigated to see if they took up this toxin, including pikopiko (edible fern - top photo), kāramuramu (medicinal and edible plant), watercress and puha (edible thistle). These results showed that whilst some plants did take up 1080, it was at extremely low concentrations, and there is negligible risk of humans being poisoned. Further Info: Ogilvie, SC; Ataria, JM; Waiwai, J; Doherty, JE; Lambert, M; Lambert, N; King, D. 2006. Uptake and persistence of the vertebrate pesticide, sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080), in plants of cultural importance. Ecotoxicology 15: 1-7.
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