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However, La Nina's easterly or southeasterly winds promoted "downwelling" and are thought to be responsible for the poor mussel seasons from 1999 to 2002, according to the study. AQUACULTURE REVOLUTION NEEDED FOR BOP OPPORTUNITIES Aquaculture could transform local communities and become a major player in the wider Bay of Plenty economy but an "aquaculture revolution" is needed to fully realise its economic potential, says the chairman of the Bay of Connections Regional Aquaculture Organisation, Graeme Coates. "We need to change our thinking from just a hunter gatherer fishing mindset, to one of farming fish and shellfish for the benefit of the entire region, including residents, businesses and larger industry. "There is huge potential in the wider Bay of Plenty for growing, processing and exporting high quality aquaculture products to the rest of New Zealand and the world. "We have some of the best water assets in New Zealand, in terms of water quality and combined with excellent land-based infrastructure, including a major port, this puts our region in a very strong position to develop a profitable aquaculture industry." The RAO advocates for and supports the development of a sustainable aquaculture industry across the wider Bay of Plenty region, with the goal to grow an integrated and sustainable industry with export sales of $250 million by 2025. The Bay of Connections Aquaculture Strategy was first launched in 2009, but has recently been updated by the RAO, with the possible use of geothermal energy sources just one of several opportunities the group will focus on in the next three years. It will also look at new species that could be farmed, as well as new technology and how that could be used across the wider Bay of Plenty. Coates says the potential use of geothermal energy in aquaculture developments offers a key competitive advantage. "This region has a distinct point of difference due to its geographic location and resulting access to freshwater and geothermal resources." Coates cites Havelock and Takaka in the South Island, as well as Coromandel in the North Island as coastal towns which are now flourishing as a result of increased business prompted by the development of aquaculture activities. "Already we have a 3800 hectare marine farm off the coast of Opotiki and while there is a need for some infrastructure, there's no reason why it could not become as successful as Havelock." The iwi-led mussel farm off the Opotiki coast has the potential to contribute $40 million per year to the export sales target set by the region. There is currently a shortage of mussels, a $350 million export industry with the potential to grow. The Opotiki marine farm is conducting commercial mussel trials and there are other trials in progress for geoduck, flat oysters and sea cucumber plus investigations into freshwater species like trout and eel. "We need to look at what species grow well locally and go from there. We believe there is also real potential here for the development of nutraceutical products – developing extracts from shellfish or shells for health products," said Coates. Nutraceutical experts are among many parties actively involved in the Bay of Connections' aquaculture action group which has completed an infrastructure needs audit and successfully lobbied for aquaculture courses at the University of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. Over the next three years the ROA plans will focus on four key areas. Leadership through advocacy, collaboration and communication with stakeholders including government, Maori, industry and other regions. The ROA will look at investigating new opportunities including new species, new technology and the use of geothermal energy sources. Another priority will be marine science, technology, education and training, including investigating biofuel production opportunities. As well as focussing on infrastructure support for marine and aquaculture industries. The Bay of Connections is the wider Bay of Plenty's regional economic development strategy, which has several sector strategies and advisory groups, including forestry, energy, aquaculture and freight logistics. The Bay of Connections region includes Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Taupo. NEW INVESTMENT IN AQUACULTURE One of New Zealand's largest fishing companies now has a stake in Cawthron Institute's aquaculture research and development centre in Nelson. In March, Aotearoa Fisheries Limited took over the operation of Cawthron Institute's commercial oyster nursery at its aquaculture park. AFL plans to expand the operation and has already employed additional staff. Aquaculture companies SpatNZ and Kono already have operations at the park. "This new investment supports our vision for the Cawthron Aquaculture Park as a place where scientific research and development from our breeding and spat production programmes flows directly through to industry partners," says Cawthron Institute Chief Executive Charles Eason. HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS UNDER THE MICROSCOPE The "Up-the-Pipe Solutions" project led by the Cawthron Institute examines the potential environmental impact of active ingredients found in commonly used household cleaning products. Lead researcher and environmental toxicologist Dr Louis Tremblay says the active ingredients flow out of homes through wastewater and eventually enter the natural environment. The chemicals are also present in the nutrient rich sludge that remains after sewerage treatment so the sludge cannot be recycled and has to be added to landfill. Social scientists, toxicologists and chemists from Cawthron Institute and the Crown Research Institutes of ESR and Scion are all working on the project which started in June 2012. New Zealand company Ecostore is also supporting the research which is funded by the Ministry for the Environment's Waste Minimisation Fund. GRADUATE DIVES INTO AQUACULTURE CAREER A lifelong love of the sea and marine life have led Wayne Hiini into a career in the world of aquaculture research and development. Wayne, who is Maori of Ngati Porou iwi, is a new hatchery technician at the Cawthron Aquaculture Park near Nelson, working on Cawthron Institute's selective breeding programme for spat (shellfish larvae). Hiini is among the first graduates of Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology's two year Diploma in Aquaculture. Before that, he worked for 18 years in the construction industry. Wayne plans to continue his studies with a Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in the environment. He eventually wants to advise the industry on environmental issues, sustainability and environmental best practice, particularly around marine farming and aquaculture activities. For now however, the married father of three is looking forward to getting stuck into his career. "The aquaculture programme has provided me with a great foundation in all areas and aspects of marine farming, from management and professional communication skills to basic science, physics, chemistry and biology." Hiini said. "I feel really prepared for the next stage in my career and look forward to making a positive contribution to what is in fact New Zealand's fastest growing primary industry." MAY/JUNE 2013 ■ NZ AQUACULTURE ■ 5

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