Role at Cawthron
Nick is a Senior Scientist specialising in shellfish biology and aquaculture production. His experience in both research and commercial environments, across a wide range of disciplines, draws him into a diverse variety of projects. His role ranges from technical support through to research programme design, research strategy, and science communication.
In particular, Nick has played a key role in the design and construction of hatchery systems for both the Cawthron research hatchery and the SpatNZ industry hatchery at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park. He was leader of Cawthron’s long-running MBIE funded Cultured Shellfish Programme, and played a key role in the establishment and implementation of Cawthron’s mussel and oyster breeding programmes.
Technical skills, experience and interests
Systems and husbandry for hatchery production of shellfish and algae
Shellfish biology
Shellfish and production-forestry genetic improvement
Development of novel research tools
Automation system design and implementation
Database design and data management/analysis
Research programme design and management
Research strategy and science communication
Qualifications
MSc (Zoology). University of Auckland, 1988
BSc. University of Canterbury, 1985
