On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Develop predictive models

Research aim: Developing predictive models

Developing models to predict dispersal and establishment, enabling the prioritisation of resources for surveillance and intervention to at-high-risk locations.

Models (hydrodynamic particle transport, intersystem dispersal, and habitat suitability) will be integrated and calibrated, and then used to predict corbicula dispersion for different scenarios, with illustrative maps as outputs.

Sniffing out trouble

Efforts to detect the invader and stop it spreading outside the Waikato River and Lake Rotomanu, have extended beyond our Earth Sciences NZ labs, with University of Waikato now training detector dogs to sniff out the pest on boats and trailers. The Stopping the gold clam programme is providing guidance, clams and facility support for the scent detector dogs.

UoW clam detector dogs

Meet the University of Waikato dogs joining the battle against gold clams

Go to the article (UoW website)

Sniffing out trouble - Scent detector dogs at work:

Detector dog finding clam
Alex Fear / ESNZ
The University of Waikato's scent detector dog, Lily, rapidly located a concealed clam test sample. These dogs are trained to indicate detection of clams by sitting. 
Detector dog scent
Michele Melchior / ESNZ
Detector dogs trained at the University of Waikato can detect extremely small samples. After clams spend two days in water, a cotton swab is dipped into the water; the tip of the swab is then cut off and placed in the gold sampler above. This sample is subsequently hidden on a boat trailer where the dogs cannot see it. 
Sniffing out trouble
Alex Fear / ESNZ
Scent detector dog Cino and University of Waikato Research Assistant Lucy Tannahill after the successful detection of a ‘test’ clam sample at the Earth Sciences NZ Hamilton facility. The Stopping the gold clam programme is providing guidance, clams and facility support for the detector dogs. 
Scent detector dog Cino
Alex Fear / ESNZ
Scent detector dog Cino.
    gold_clam_strategies_figure.

    A programme anchored by mātauranga and partnerships 

    Building relationships between diverse knowledge systems, particularly Mātauranga Māori with scientific research, underpins our work. Our approach is holistic, ensuring that all aspects of the programme are informed by Mātauranga concepts and partnerships, in doing so supporting indigenous perspectives and values in environmental management. 

    Book: Stopping the gold clam: It's now or never