July 09, 2013
Virus-resistant oysters found
Nelson's Cawthron Institute is offering hope for the Pacific oyster industry.
Chief Executive Charles Eason says research done in partnership with Aotearoa Fisheries subsidiary Pacific Marine Farms and other industry players has identified oyster families which are resistant to the ostreid herpes virus, which almost wiped out the industry in 2010.
The oysters can be bred at New Zealand's only oyster hatchery and nursery at the Glen, northeast of Nelson, which is now owned by Aotearoa Fisheries.
Cawthron also has an aquaculture research and development partnership with Nelson's Wakatu Incorporation, which includes work on dredge oyster breeding.
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