New Zealand researchers produce first seed for prospective new clam industry

摘要

The demand for geoduck clams in Asia is so great that the capture fishery can't provide sufficient product in an environmentally-sustainable manner according to Associate Professor Dr Andrea Alfaro, head of Auckland University of Technology's (AUT) Aquaculture Biotechnology Group.And since only a few countries have an established geoduck aquaculture industry, New Zealand is looking at developing a breeding and culturing program, using a naturally occurring species of the long-necked clam that already grows in New Zealand waters.Alfaro confirmed that with favorable market conditions, she has already heard expressions of interest from would-be investors attracted by predictions of rapid industry growth. To assist a New Zealand industry through start-up, a research partnership between the country's Cawthron Institute and AUT will try to identify the best growing and development conditions for geoducks and will look at the creatures' market potential, both in New Zealand and abroad.