Greenshell Mussel Selective Breeding

This is arguably the world’s first mussel selective breeding programme with commercial goals. The programme combines traditional breeding methodology with state-of-the-art juvenile production and industry-focussed data analysis. We have demonstrated that significant gains will be possible with selective breeding through value addition, cost reduction, and efficiency gain.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Nick King

Greenshell Mussel Resilience

Mussels are subjected to a variety of stresses during their growth, harvest, processing, and storage, which have a significant impact on yield and product quality. This project seeks to identify resilient genetic lines that are better able to cope with these stresses.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Norman Ragg

Greenshell Mussel Growth Efficiency

Are faster growing mussels more efficient or do they just eat more? This project will answer this question using a mix of lab and field based experiments to model the relationship between mussel genetics, food availability, and mussel growth rate.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Nick King

Greenshell Mussel Reproductive Biology

A key challenge common to both mussel research and commercial farming is the ablity to predict and/or control reproductive condition. We are using our EST database in conjunction with phenotypic selection and growth modeling to better understand the drivers for shellfish condition, and to select improved lines for breeding.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Andrew Fidler

Triploidy

Triploid shellfish have three sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two. Their inability to reproduce means that they can retain good meat condition throughout the year. We are developing triploid stock for both the Pacific oyster and the Greenshell mussel.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Achim Janke

Greenshell Mussel Sensory Attributes

This project, in collaboration with Plant and Food Research, looks at mussels from the consumer’s perspective: what makes a mussel good to eat, and what can be improved? We will use this information in conjunction with selective breeding to breed mussels with greater consumer appeal.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Nick King

Probiotics

Probiotics are microbes with a positive effect on shellfish larvae. With Lewis Gibson of the Univ. of Technology Sydney, we search for such microbes and study their effects on pathogens and larvae. The aim is to improve the larval rearing process in hatcheries.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager:Aditya Kesarcodi-Watson

Mussel Hatchery Development

In collaboration with Aotearoa Seafood Ltd and Marlborough Mussel Company Ltd, we are working towards industrial hatcheries.

Funding: Companies, Technology New Zealand, Seafood Innovations Ltd
Project Manager:Henry Kaspar

New Zealand's Next Shellfish Aquaculture Species

Working with industry, we will determine the high-value shellfish species most likely to succeed as New Zealand’s next aquaculture species. We will apply our existing technology platforms to domesticate this species and partner with industry to enable commercial scale production.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager:Henry Kaspar