Cawthron Invests Further in the Future of the Aquaculture Industry

Cawthron Institute, New Zealand's independent aquatic and environmental scientific research organisation, is to invest an additional $2.4 million into its aquaculture research and technology centre at Glenhaven, on the outskirts of Nelson.

The additional expenditure, to assist with the expansion, was announced by Cawthron Institute Chief Executive, Gillian Wratt, at the Cawthron New Zealand Aquaculture Conference today.

Gillian Wratt told the conference the additional investment will provide enabling infrastructure critical for the transfer of research and development into successful commercial outcomes for New Zealand aquaculture.

"Bridging this gap is pivotal if we are to grow New Zealand aquaculture sufficiently to achieve the industry goal of becoming a sustainable $1 billion sector by 2025."

Cawthron has contributed research and development expertise to the aquaculture sector through the Glenhaven facility since 1991 – opening the country's first commercial-scale oyster nursery there last year.

Ian Kearney, Cawthron Institute Board of Directors Chairman, says "Cawthron's objective is to see research outcomes successfully commercialised and this investment demonstrates its commitment to the sector."

The $2.4 million investment announced today will be used to construct 1200 square metres of research, development and education facilities, comprising specialist laboratories, training facilities and supporting infrastructure, in the first phase of a staged development.

The Cawthron Aquaculture Research and Technology Centre is located close to a number of large industry companies and two of the largest shellfish growing areas in New Zealand. It is also an integral part of the proposed Horoirangi Centre for Seafood and Aquaculture Innovation.

Cawthron, in conjunction with Wakatu Incorporation, is seeking funding from the Crown to complete the project over the next three years.

Gillian Wratt says "the government clearly recognises the potential value to the country of a thriving aquaculture industry and Cawthron believes a collaborative approach where our investment, supported by industry and the government, will ensure a world class facility for aquaculture science and research providers, industry partners, government agencies and other stakeholders."

Daryl Wehner, Cawthron Commercial & Investment Manager, expects that the Aquaculture Research and Technology Centre will provide world class facilities for the full gamut of pure research to pilot-scale commercialisation.

"It will provide the perfect focal point to promote the co-operative innovative approach required to keep the New Zealand aquaculture industry abreast of our global competition.

It will also enable us to attract high quality researchers from other countries to allow for skill-sharing and development; all assisting in keeping our country at the forefront of global aquaculture innovation."

For more information please contact:

Gillian Wratt, Chief Executive
Phone: 03 539 3270 or 021 548 110
Email:

or

Daryl Wehner, Commercial & Investment Manager
Phone: 03 539 3218 or 021 829 320
Email: