Cawthron, research, consulting, sea slug toxin, TTX, tetrodotoxin, analytical laboratories, aquaculture, coastal, freshwater, biosecurity, biotechnology, sustainable business, toxins, environmental, food.

Cawthron provides research based solutions to enable the sustainable management and development of New Zealand's coastal and freshwater systems and resources for the benefit of the region and the nation.

Cawthron’s funding comes from the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology and a range of commercial clients to which it provides consulting and analytical services. Cawthron employs over 180 scientific and technical staff based in Nelson and Marlborough.

New Zealand and American scientists trial "lab in a can" in Tasman Bay
Scientists from New Zealand and America have begun trialling a robotic analytical laboratory in Tasman Bay.
The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) or "molecular lab in a can" will provide site collection and analysis of water samples in the bay and communicate results back to the Cawthron Institute and the US-based Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).

Nelson Scientist Secures Funding to Combat Rare Maritime Killer
A Nelson scientist is on a mission to unveil the mystery surrounding the toxicity of a rare microalga that threatens high value aquaculture and fisheries species in this country.

Cawthron appoints Professor Charles Eason as Chief Executive
Cawthron Board of Directors Chairman, Ian Kearney, today announced the appointment of Professor Charles Eason – a former senior manager with Landcare Research and a Professor at Lincoln University – as the new Chief Executive of Cawthron Institute.

Hill Laboratories to Purchase Cawthron Marlborough Laboratory
Cawthron Institute and R J Hill Laboratories Ltd have recently signed a Heads of Agreement for Hill Laboratories to purchase a portion of Cawthron's Laboratory Services activities – the wine and microbiology testing business in Marlborough and the environmental chemistry testing activities performed at Halifax Street, Nelson. The proposed date this would be effective from is the end of June 2012.

Valuing Our Waters - Online Survey
What future would you like to see for local rivers? Should management of rivers give priority to swimming? Kayaking? Irrigation? Hydro development? Trout fishing? Native species? Cultural values? At what cost?
Cawthron Institute is conducting a case study in conjunction with Tasman District Council and Landcare Research, to explore how to accommodate diverse interests and values in freshwater management, with a focus on rivers in Tasman District. Our online survey is now closed, and we are analysing the results. A summary will be made available once the analysis is complete (currently planned for November).

Toxic Sea Slugs Information
Further information regarding Cawthron scientist's discovery of tetrodotoxin contained in sea slugs - including frequently asked questions.