The recent research expedition to the Bounty Trough has illuminated one of New Zealand's previously underexplored marine habitats, shedding light on its rich biodiversity. However, this spotlight also underscores the vast expanse of uncharted marine ecosystems surrounding Aotearoa, numbering over 330, and many still awaiting thorough surveys. While the imperative to discover and document biodiversity is universally understood, quantifying this will underscore its urgency.
Yet, the detection and understanding of diversity hinge upon robust taxonomic capabilities. Analogous to New Zealand's ambition to quintuple aquaculture revenue, the ability to identify native and non-native pests is vital for ensuring the sustainability of marine farms. However, our current taxonomic infrastructure needs to improve, with widening lacunae in this foundational biological discipline. Attempts to bridge gaps have involved innovative tools such as eDNA and parataxonomy, yet it's crucial to distinguish between these taxonomic aids and the scientific discipline of taxonomy itself.
This presentation addresses these challenges head-on, fostering dialogue and collaboration to enhance New Zealand's taxonomic capacities. We can support sustainable aquaculture, advance conservation efforts, and better understand and protect our marine ecosystems by bridging these critical gaps.