Science Centres: Aquaculture and Biotechnology

Travellers passing through the Wellington airport domestic terminal have the opportunity to see living examples of new developments in New Zealand’s aquaculture industry.

The aquarium shows examples of high value fish and paua species grown by NIWA scientists. (Photo: Wendy St George, NIWA)

Young hapuku (groper), paua, and five varieties of seaweed are on display in the tank. (Photo: Wendy St George, NIWA)

20 August 2008

The National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has stocked an aquarium with captive bred paua and hapuku (groper) as part of a Science New Zealand exhibit showcasing the work of Crown Research Institutes in sustainable aquaculture development.

NIWA has led the way in developing culture techniques for paua, kingfish, and hapuku. It is anticipated that these species will be at the forefront of high value aquaculture development which will take New Zealand to a billion dollar industry by 2025.

The animals on display were produced at NIWA’s Aquaculture Park in Northland using wild-caught broodstock.

Paua and hapuku are of high value to New Zealand’s aquaculture industry as food products that can be farmed for export.

The Science New Zealand exhibit is on display until early September.

For more information contact:

Dr Michael Bruce
Principal Scientist, Aquaculture & Biotechnology
NIWA
Tel: +64 9 375 4539
m.bruce@niwa.co.nz