Predator Free Rakiura (PFR) have recently completed a four-week-long rodent detection trial using trained dogs.
Freight and luggage travelling to Stewart Island were checked by the dogs.
Zero Invasive Predator PFR general manager Darius Fagan said the group was working with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (Cebra) to assess the risk of rodents returning to the island after being eradicated.
"The purpose was to collect data on rodent detections in passenger luggage and freight at the Bluff ferry terminal to inform the model being developed by Cebra."
The project was also a chance for PFR to chat to passengers about biosecurity, why it was needed and what measures might be used in the future to protect the island, he said.
Passengers had the choice whether they took part in the trial, which involved allowing the dogs to smell their luggage.
Freight was checked before it was loaded on to the ferry or freighter.
No rodents were discovered but the dogs did find some evidence of rodents, showing that the pests had been in contact with some of the freight or passenger items at one point.
The main purpose of the trial was to gather data, not to catch rodents.
"We had no intention or means to carry out an extensive search following a detection."
It was too early to say whether detector dogs would be used fulltime at the ferry terminal.
