Blog

Report of the scientific workshop now online

The scientific workshop of PacMAN was an online event, fostering discussions between 10 scientists who are experts in environmental DNA, marine biosecurity and data management, as well as the PacMAN project team. The online format allowed participation from several different continents, across multiple timezones. Due to a lack of previous studies and incomplete reference databases in Fiji, the importance of baseline biodiversity surveys was highlighted. In addition, challenges in integrating genetic data to biosecurity management Read more…

By Saara Suominen, ago

First PacMAN scientific workshop [ONLINE]

After short delays this year, we are excited to get started with the scientific development of the PacMAN project. The external scientific committee will meet with the coordinating team to discuss the current best practices in invasive species monitoring. The issues around sampling, molecular work, data analysis and data management will all be discussed. This meeting will provide the baseline methods for developing the monitoring plan together with the main stakeholders in Fiji early next Read more…

By Saara Suominen, ago

PacMAN?

The project will develop a national invasive species monitoring system as well as an early-warning decision-support tool for Pacific SIDS, offering a user-friendly dashboard indicating the potential presence of invasive species (including pathogens and pest species) or risk of invasions to support local management. The project will achieve this goal through a work plan that includes (i) needs assessment and review of current best practices in detecting invasive species; (ii) training of local scientists in Read more…

By Ward Appeltans, ago