Sustainable production relies on resilient production systems with minimal environmental impacts, leading to long-term competitive advantage. By explicitly addressing environmental interactions at the design stage, future compliance problems can be avoided or minimised, consumer acceptability enhanced, and long-term sustainability improved.

Cawthron’s capability brings together biologists, ecologists, economists and computer modellers to develop innovative technologies for sustainable resource-based production.

Sustainable production systems

Cawthron is working with major seafood companies and iwi to develop new production opportunities. We look at all aspects of new systems to develop resilient systems.

Our current focus is on sustainable open ocean aquaculture systems. This involves developing novel farming and husbandry methods, building upon existing industry knowledge and developing new knowledge through the construction and application of complex numerical models. All systems are designed with sustainability in mind from the start.

Our computer models simulate the interactions of the structures and crop with the environment, and can generate dynamic graphical representations, while bio-economic models are used to test financial performance. The new production systems have been validated in open ocean field trials, and more trials are now being implemented to test new technologies for farming high value species.

We also work with Cluster Navigators to recognise and pursue opportunities for regional economic development, within New Zealand and internationally.

Modelling, programming and analysis

The natural environment is complex and ever-changing, posing continual challenges for businesses seeking financial profitability and environmental sustainability. We have top-notch programmers and modellers who can collect, process and make sense of environmental and production data, so that businesses can use this information to optimise their operations.

Renewable energy in the form of hydro-electric power, wind power and, to a lesser extent, geothermal power is fundamental to New Zealand’s energy future. Wave, tidal and algal energy are potential new sources of renewable energy for a carbon-constrained future. Cawthron works closely with renewable energy suppliers in New Zealand by providing advice on resource utilisation and assessment of environmental effects.

We also design and produce stand-alone software packages that process data collected on a regular basis, to provide graphical or numerical report outputs for on-going business or science needs.