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Completed SFF Futures projects: seafood and aquatic
A list of completed aquaculture projects.
Transforming mussel waste into valuable product
Project start: 17 November 2020
Project completed: August 2021
MPI funding: $313,000
Industry funding: $471,000
Industry partner: Environmental Decontamination (NZ) Limited
Region: Auckland/Tauranga
Currently, mussel shell waste is sent to landfill at a cost to both producers and the environment. This project assessed the potential of an innovative mechanochemical technology to transform mussel shells into calcium carbonate products for use across industry sectors.
Mussel float attachment project
Project start: 21 December 2020
Project completed: 10 August 2021
MPI funding: $72,500
Industry funding: $72,200
Industry partner: S&S Development (2020) Limited
Region: Tasman/Marlborough
This project has developed a float attachment system for longline mussel farming. This system will withstand the rough conditions of open water without float loss and completely eliminate the use of plastic rope for attachment, which currently is being lost at sea.
New design aims to avoid runaway floats in mussel farming
Commercial seaweed aquaculture to reduce agricultural methane emissions
Project start: 5 November 2019
Project completed: 9 December 2020
MPI funding: $100,000
Industry funding: $150,000
Industry partner: Cawthron Institute
Region: Nationwide
This project aimed to substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions through a seaweed-based cattle feed supplement. Cawthron Institute is continuing to research the lifecycle of Asparagopsis seaweed to inform the development of an early proof-of-concept of the production systems needed to develop the feed supplement at pilot-scale.
Methane reducing cattle feed one step closer – Government media release
Building a resilient future for New Zealand oyster aquaculture
Project start: 15 October 2019
Project completed: 20 April 2020
MPI funding: $45,000
Industry funding: $15,000
Industry partner: AquacultureNZ
Region: Northland
The resilience of the oyster industry is challenged by the seasonal supply of spat (juvenile oysters). This project developed a business case to establish a commercial-scale oyster hatchery and nursery that would provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth of the oyster industry in New Zealand.
Brown seaweed for a blue economy
Project start: 10 August 2019
Project completed: 3 February 2021
MPI funding:$325,600
Industry funding: $488,400
Industry partner: Waikaitu Ltd
Region: Marlborough
This project aimed to transform New Zealand Undaria seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, from a costly mussel-industry pest to a sustainable, high value global market resource. A pilot plant was established and a feasibility study was conducted, which concluded that this is a feasible industry for future development and growth.
Pest seaweed products set to hit export market – NZ Herald
Wakame Fresh – Project Wakatipu
Project start: 20 May 2019
Project completed: 19 December 2019
MPI funding: $75,200
Industry funding: $114,182
Industry partner: Wakame Fresh Ltd
Region: Waikato
Project Whakatiputipu aimed to demonstrate the commercial viability of harvesting, processing and exporting edible seaweed products into Japan. They conducted a feasibility study, including planning and finalising an approach to trial export of samples of wakame for market research.
Government backs edible seaweed venture – Government media release
