Novel Methods for Controlling Non-native Marine Species

The Seeker is looking for new and novel methods for locating, controlling and/or eradicating invasive marine species. Ideas can be new or utilize existing methods in a new or unique combination/adaptation.

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

Eradicating or controlling a population of invasive marine species are extremely difficult tasks. The large biological diversity and the limited time and visibility of working underwater are just some of the challenges. Many species have several life-history stages (some microscopic) that can be dispersed over broad areas making it hard to locate individuals and detect the effects of ongoing efforts. Adding to this, the social, environmental and economic impact of any methods used need to be carefully controlled and monitored.

A lot of work has been done, but new ideas are needed to make an impact given the difficulty of the tasks. The Seeker is looking for methods/technologies to help locate, control and/or eradicate invasive marine species. This can be new ideas alone or combined with existing methods.

This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

• There is a guaranteed award.  The awards will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $10,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $1,000.
• The Solvers are not required to transfer exclusive intellectual property rights to the Seeker.  Rather, by submitting a proposal, the Solver grants to the Seeker a royalty-free, perpetual, and non-exclusive license to use any information included in this proposal, including for promotional purposes.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on May 10, 2018.

Late submissions will not be considered.

After the Challenge deadline, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the Winning Solution(s). All Solvers that submit a proposal will be notified on the status of their submissions; however, no detailed evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.

About The Seeker:  The National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd. (NIWA) is the coordinating agency for this prize, with funding provided by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture & Water Resources (DAWR) and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia (DPIRD).

NIWA is a research company owned by the New Zealand government whose mission is to conduct leading environmental science to enable the sustainable management of natural resources for New Zealand and the planet.

DAWR develops and implements policies and programmes to ensure Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable, and supports the sustainable and productive management and use of rivers and water resources.

DPIRD is the Western Australian Government’s lead agency for primary industries and regional development.   DPIRD uses best knowledge and understanding of how to grow and protect our agricultural, fisheries and food industries and our regional communities. It has a key focus on Sustainability and Biosecurity, Industry and Economic Development and Strategy and Capability.

About the Collaborators:  This Challenge is part of an international scientific collaboration between NIWA, DAWR, DPIRD, Cawthron Institute, University of Waikato, Department of Fisheries & Oceans, Canada, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Centre that is supported by the New Zealand Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment’s International Relationships Fund. All parties will contribute to various aspects of the Challenge such as design, technical review, judging, and promotion.