Norman Ragg
Research Scientist – Shellfish Biology and Physiology
Role at Cawthron
Norman leads the physiology team at Cawthron, drawing on a background of work in the aquaculture industry combined with training as a classical biologist focusing on physiology. This is brought to bear in a range of projects where the physiology of aquaculture species is a key issue, such as:
- Quantifying stress and resilience in shellfish
- Mitigating the effects of ocean acidification and warming: building resilience in the aquaculture industry
- Identifying resource-efficient shellfish families for use in selective breeding
- Optimising hatchery processes
- Enhancing meat quality and yield through good harvest practice and transport technology
Technical skills, experience and interests
- Introduction of physiological tools and scientific discipline to optimise the effectiveness of aquaculture research
- Integration of selective breeding with physiological performance parameters
- Climate change simulation and mitigation
- Baseline biological description of novel aquaculture species
- True sustainability in the primary industry, minimising or even eliminating net environmental impact while optimising productivity
Professional affiliations
- Society for Experimental Biology
- Malacological Society (London)
- Royal Society of New Zealand
- Australia – New Zealand Society for Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology
- New Zealand Marine Sciences Society
- Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
Qualifications
- PhD (Animal Physiology). University of Canterbury, 2003
- MSc (Shellfisheries/Biology/Culture). University of Wales, 1994
- BSc (Hons, Marine Biology). University of Wales, 1992