Science Centres: Fisheries

The New Zealand aquaculture industry has a real opportunity to stand out in the global market with new and sustainable products. “In addition to investing heavily in selective breeding of new species, NIWA is combining its aquaculture and biotechnology capabilities to provide innovative solutions for a sustainable industry,” says Michael Bruce, Aquaculture Leader of NIWA’s National Centre for Fisheries & Aquaculture. With funding from the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology, we’re currently working on two exciting initiatives in this area, outlined below.

A clever way to test disease treatments

In collaboration with Auckland University, NIWA fish disease specialists and biotechnologists have developed a novel tissue culture system for testing the effects of parasites and parasite treatments on excised kingfish skin. This is a low-cost, low-waste and non-invasive method to evaluate existing dosing regimens and test new disease treatments.

Improved disease treatment delivery

NIWA is developing a novel encapsulated treatment for monogenean (flatworm) parasites that can be delivered to finfish in their food. This allows for very precise delivery of the therapeutants, and reduces the release of chemicals into the environment.

By improving fish health and growth rates and minimising environmental impacts, we hope these initiatives will contribute to a sustainable aquaculture industry in New Zealand, ultimately benefiting our economy, environment, and rural communities.