Project Title

90 Mile Beach Spat Retention

Application Number

14222

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$11,250.00

Expected Outcome

This work is to ascertain key information about the wild mussel seed resource at 90 Mile Beach. 

A review of the information will be used for defining the most effective routes for future technological development for increasing value and efficiency from this resource. 

Project complete.  Report available.

Research Partner

Andrew Jeffs

Ph: 09 375 2048

a.jeffs@niwa.co.nz

Organisation

NIWA Ltd

Project Title

Snapper Predation Research

Application Number

14385

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$11,792.00

Expected Outcome

Purpose of this research is to review potential methods for the reduction or prevention of snapper predation on mussel lines – an update on methods and direction.

This project contributes to this outcome by developing and applying:

Non-lethal and environmentally friendly methods to deter snapper from newly seeded mussel ropes.

Stage I project complete.  Report available.

Research Partner

Kevin Heasman

Ph: 03 548 2319

kevin.heasman@cawthron.org.nz

Organisation

Cawthron

Project Title

Pest Management Methods Research

Application Number

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$25,000.00

Expected Outcome

This project is to conduct investigation into methods to kill biofouling pests on mussel-rope and seed stock. 

Develop a method to remove pest such as Didemnum and Undaria from mussel spat using fresh water and acetic acid baths.

Report not yet provided.

Research Partner

Barrie Forrest

Ph: 03 548 2319

barrie.forrest@cawthron.org.nz

Organisation

Cawthron

Project Title

Use of Bacteria to Control Pathogens

Application Number

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$5,000.00

Expected Outcome

This project is aimed at investigating the use of competing microflora for bacterial control in mussel.  If successful this would increase the time that a mussel will survive out of the water, improve product safety and quality and reduce costs.

To provide an alternative to current methods of processing which frequently result in over processing in an effort to destroy organisms that may not even be present.  The knowledge obtained in this project will assist seafood processing companies to more effectively control the growth of food pathogens and spoilage organisms using probiotic bacteria.

Report due soon.

Research Partner

Irene Thomas

Ph: 06 357 2250

thomasi@xtra.co.nz

Organisation

Massey University

Project Title

Managing Fouling Hydroids

Application Number

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$440.00

Expected Outcome

The purpose of this research is to minimise the risk of the fouling hydroid Amphisbetia bispinosa, this species covers mussel ropes and blocks the water flow around the mussels. 

The project is split into two sections; avoidance and control.

·         Avoidance will necessitate the collection of new biological information to understand the toxonony, life cycle, reproductive habits, feeding, growth patterns and environmental preferences of the organism.

·         Control will necessitate the development of a technology that can remove the organism from the lines and/or kill it on them.

Project complete.  Stage I report available.

Research Partner

Kevin Heasman

Ph: 03 548 2319

kevin.heasman@cawthron.org.nz

Organisation

Cawthron

Project Title

Economically Efficient Removal of Gymnodium Catenatum Cysts From Mussel Spat

Application Number

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$100,000.00

Expected Outcome

Project is yet to commence.

Development of methods to remove catenatum cysts from mussel spat.

Project on hold.

Research Partner

Kevin Heasman

Ph: 03 548 2319

kevin.heasman@cawthron.org.nz

Organisation

Cawthron

Project Title

Benthic Effects Research

Application Number

13015

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$5,000.00

Expected Outcome

The overall outcome of this work is to gain knowledge of the environmental affects of depth and exposure on the sediment composition of mussel farms in the Marlborough Sounds.

To identify a relationship between the affects of depth and exposure on sediment composition below and in the immediate area surrounding mussel farms.

Project complete.  Report available.

Research Partner

Alison M Leslie

Ph: 03 471 7382

Organisation

University of Otago

Project Title

Potential Economic Impacts of Providing for Aquaculture Management Areas in Canterbury –

an Indicative Scenario Evaluation

Application Number

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$Nil

Expected Outcome

The research aims to point out thresholds for establishing a marine farming industry in Canterbury

The report provides basic insights into the costs and benefits associated with increased marine farming around Canterbury.  Due to the short time frame available and a lack of detailed information, the results should be taken as an indication of possible outcomes.

Project complete.  Report available.

Research Partner

Gerit Meyer-Hubbert

Ph: 03 325 2811

meyerhug@lincoln.ac.nz

Organisation

Lincoln University

Project Title

Sustainability Research

Application Number

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$20,000.00

per annum

Expected Outcome

A comprehensive multi-tiered research programme using mathematical models to explain and predict various components of marine farming ecosystems and their relationships.

This programme contributes to this outcome by developing and applying:

·         GIS system publishing chlorophyll

·         Model created to predict on the impact of mussel farms on water flow including effects of currents and waves

·         Investigating relationships between substrate, spat catching and retention and water flow

·         Experiments to determine the effect of natural water sediments on mussel clearance rates

·         New FRST requirements mean industry and other stakeholders will be more intrinsically involved in setting goals for future research.

Research Partner

Barb Hayden

Ph: 03 3488987

b.hayden@niwa.cri.nz

Organisation

NIWA

Project Title

Cawthron Selective Breeding & Cryopreservation Project

Application Number

Allocated Funding

(Incl GST)

$20,000.00

per annum

Expected Outcome

Cawthron can now reliably produce large numbers of mussel families for breeding.  The first batch of 75 mussel families was produced in 2002.  These have been tagged and are growing at seven NZ mussel farming sites.  Most of these families will be at harvest size and ready to assess in the next few months.  The best animals from the best families will be selected to breed from.  The second batch of 69 families was produced in 2003 and will be ready for harvest and assessment in 2005.

Cawthron and NZMIC Directors are currently working through options for commercialisation of this technology.  NZMIC shareholders have contributed industry good funding to the project since 1998.

Research Partner

Henry Casper

Ph: 03 548 2319

henry.kasper@cawthron.co.nz

Organisation

Cawthron