Will you be using gene drives?

September 8, 2018 11:48 am

A recent paper in the Journal of Ornithology suggests that “current techniques will probably be inadequate to effect nationwide eradications, and new tools (possibly based on genetic technologies) will probably be required.”

We are making sure we stay well connected with international developments in the gene technology field.

Our Science Strategy Manager Prof Dan Tompkins Manager sits on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Task Force on Synthetic Biology and Biodiversity Conservation and also coordinates an inter-agency PF2050 science collaboration process.

At the moment the use gene drives to eradicate predator populations is theoretical. If it did prove to be viable then New Zealand would need to have a national conversation about gene editing for predator control and, if considered safe and desirable, introduce new regulations and approval processes to enable its use.

The Royal Society has published a discussion document on the use of gene editing for pest control.