Marine and freshwater resources can support nutritious food, high-value products, regional development and climate-resilient livelihoods, but growth must occur within environmental limits. Cawthron works with partners to develop low-impact, high-value opportunities across aquaculture, algae, bioactives, blue technology and marine biotechnology. Our research supports more resilient aquaculture systems, unlocks new uses for aquatic resources, and helps ensure blue economy development contributes to environmental health, community wellbeing and long-term prosperity.

Aquatic environments face increasing threats from invasive species, harmful algal blooms, food safety hazards, aquatic animal disease, contaminants and climate-related change. These risks can move quickly and affect ecosystems, industries, markets and public wellbeing. Cawthron helps partners anticipate, detect and manage these threats through biosecurity science, aquatic animal health expertise, food safety research, risk frameworks, monitoring and decision support. This work strengthens preparedness and helps protect people, aquatic environments and industry.

Marine and freshwater environments support biodiversity, cultural values, livelihoods and regional prosperity, but many are being degraded by land-use change, pollution, habitat loss and climate impacts. Cawthron works with Māori, communities, councils, industry and government agencies to understand aquatic system health and support effective restoration. Our science helps identify what is changing, where pressures are coming from, and which actions are most likely to deliver lasting improvement - from mountains to sea.