Quantifying Risk and Treatment Needs for Corbicula Vectors

Details

RFx ID :	35081537
Tender Name :	Quantifying Risk and Treatment Needs for Corbicula Vectors
Reference # :	O-407590
Open Date :	Friday, 2 October 2026 4:00 PM (Pacific/Auckland UTC+13:00)
Close Date  :	Thursday, 5 November 2026 1:00 PM (Pacific/Auckland UTC+13:00)
Department/Business Unit :	New Zealand Food Safety
Tender Type :	Request for Proposals (RFP)
Tender Coverage :	Sole Agency  [?]
Categories :	81000000 - Engineering and Research and Technology Based Services
Regions:	New Zealand
Exemption Reason :	None
Required Pre-qualifications :	None
Contact :	Anna Lee 04 894 2605
Alternate Physical Delivery Address  :
Alternate Physical Fax Number  :

The invasive freshwater clam or Corbicula (Corbicula fluminea) was first detected in the Waikato River in 2023. This clam is considered one of the most significant freshwater biosecurity threats in New Zealand. Recreational and commercial equipment can act as vectors, facilitating the spread of Corbicula to uninvaded areas. A key challenge for Corbicula management is the lack of quantitative, New Zealand-specific evidence on the relative risks posed by many different vectors.
Building on existing international and domestic research, this project will quantify and compare the transport potential associated with representative vectors operating in New Zealand. The findings will inform the development of a national vector-risk framework and support development of standard operating protocols (SOPs) and operational guidance for the high-risk vectors, enabling more targeted and effective Corbicula management and control in New Zealand.