Boost for Aquaculture Research

Boost for Aquaculture Research

"Aquaculture research at the independent Cawthron Institute, is to get a big boost in funding. expects a large increase in funding for its aquaculture research. This results from recent decisions of

The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology has given the green light (????). to supporting four major research projects at the Nelson based research facility, which are all vital to New Zealand's burgeoning shellfish industry.

"It's great news and this research willcould help shellfish exports reach several billion dollars a year by 2020.ood news for shellfish lovers", said Cawthron CEO Graeme Robertson., "and good news for all New Zealanders.

He says the funding announcement also has longer -term benefits for ordinary New Zealanders.

"We think this research will help New Zealand's shellfish exports reach several billion dollars a year by 2020. "The research helps increase production and quality and ultimately this This means more jobs, especially in rural regionsareas., and It also offers also great development opportunities for Maori".

The successful Cawthron research projects the Cawthron will undertake are:

1. New technologies for managing toxic algal blooms, (to enhancinge market opportunities for NZ shellfish.). (?)

2. Developing pProfitable deepwater aquaculture (new technology for deepwater mussel farms., 10-15 km offshore). (?)

3. Transforming mussel aquaculture through selective breeding: creating a programme to develop the best mussels for a variety of different consumer markets

3.Transforming mussel aquaculture through selective breeding: , starting off for mussel farmers what land farmers have been doing for hundreds of years. (???) Beginning a programme to develop the best mussels for market

3.

4. Cryopreservation for marine biological industries: how to freeze live organisms for selective breeding, year-round supply, and biotoxin research on preserving valuable strains.

As well as Cawthron's scientists, the teams include researchers from Victoria University, AgResearch, Otago University and Massey University. There is also strong financial support from the mussel industry.

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