An ecogenomics solution for biosecurity monitoring of harmful ballast water organisms

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Invasive non-native species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide, after habitat loss, whilst antibiotic resistance carrying pathogens are on the rise. International shiping is a significant pathway for the introduction of marine non-native species and harmful pathogens, with many marine ports identified as locations at high risk from the introduction of harmful organisms carried in ships' ballast water. Applied Genomics Ltd. with partners Benthic Solutions Ltd., the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science and Plymouth University have devised a proactive approach to mitigating the threats posed by these harmful ballast water organisms through development of a novel system of early detection using combined surveillance of ships' ballast water and monitoring of local native biodiversity for early detection and adaptive management of potential threats to human health and the environment. This centres around our development of marine environmental sampling technology with the novel application of existing and emerging genomics technologies to deliver significant and unprecedented advances to marine biosecurity and an evidence-driven mechanism to support environmental legislation and stakeholders.