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

Spat Fitness and Environmental Tolerance

Mussel spat fitness and environmental tolerance are crucial to spat retention on the ropes. We have developed a simple test that allows the determination of spat fitness. We are determining the tolerance threshold of spat to all important environmental parameters. This information is required to optimise spat production in pond-based nurseries.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Steve Webb

Micro-satellites for Pedigree Analysis of Greenshell Mussels

In collaboration with our subcontractor, Assoc. Prof. Jonathan Gardner at Victoria Univ. Wellington, we are developing this tool for application in selective breeding and forensics.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Nick King

Greenshell Mussel Molecular Biology

We are building an EST database that will give us insights into the physiology of New Zealand’s most important aquaculture species. This knowledge will be used in selective breeding, product development and farm management.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Andrew Fidler

Aneuploidy and Triploidy

According to the textbook, mussels have two complete sets of chromosomes. In reality, most mussels will have a bit less than two sets. In collaboration with Victoria University, we study the abundance and effect of aneuploidy in mussels in order to use this phenomenon for selective breeding.

Triploid shellfish have three sets of chromosomes instead of two. They bring several advantages to the aquaculture industry. We are developing triploid lines for the Pacific oyster and the Greenshell mussel.

Funding: FRST
Project Manager: Achim Janke

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