A Geoduck in the hand is a substantial feed
aquaculture on the horizon C
GEODUCK
awthron Institute and Auckland University of
Technology researchers are investigating the
aquaculture market potential for geoduck (Panopea zelandica), both domestically and abroad.
Geoduck or king clams are the largest
burrowing saltwater clam, measuring an average weight of one kilo and an average shell size of 20cm. "Geoducks are an established delicacy overseas," said Associate Professor Andrea Alfaro, head of AUT's Aquaculture Biotechnology Group. "Due to a robust demand from Asia and North America for geoduck, the capture fi shery cannot satisfy the demand in an ecologically sustainable fashion. On a return per acre basis, geoducks are the western region's most valuable cultured shellfi sh species. Hence the intense interest in geoduck aquaculture and the predictions for continued rapid growth." Alfaro explained that geoduck aquaculture already exists off
Brookstock waiting to spawn
the Pacifi c coast of the USA and Canada. In New Zealand, the shellfi sh are harvested by scuba divers in Golden Bay. "Recent trials at Cawthron Institute in Nelson have resulted in successful production of Panopea zelandica seed (juveniles), which will soon be transplanted to wild growing areas. If New Zealand geoduck can be successfully cultivated to market size, this species will bring an added value to the growing aquaculture industry in this country.
" She believes the high demand for geoduck worldwide and
the fact that only a few countries have a geoduck aquaculture industry, are factors that will help New Zealand break easily into this international market. In 2005, about 47.5 percent of the geoduck market came
from British Columbia, another 47.5 percent came from Washington, and fi ve percent from Alaska. The geoduck production in BC was around two million tonnes a year during 2006-8 and went for US$20, generating US$40 million per year.
Geoducks currently sell for up to NZ$40
in New Zealand, versus NZ$2 for green lipped mussels, the country's largest shellfi sh industry at NZ$200 million per
$849 Pulsar Challenger GS 2.7x50
$1699 Pulsar Edge GS 2.7x50
Chosen by M.P.I. Fisheries, and Marine Search & Rescue.
Price includes GST and freight. Phone us for trade specials.
www.pulsar-nv.co.nz ph: 03 9700 570 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 ■ NZ AQUACULTURE ■
year in exports. "The large meaty geoduck siphon
is prized for its savoury fl avour and crunchy texture. In Asia especially it's a real delicacy, each costing up to NZ$300, so you can see the potential market value," added Alfaro. Cawthron Institute scientist Kevin Heasman was awarded the Research and Development Award from the Marine
Farming Association this month, celebrating his contribution to challenges and opportunities in the marine farming industry, including fi eld trials exploring the potential for marine farming in New Zealand of geoduck. The geoduck, also known as the mud duck king clam, is considered to be an aphrodisiac and its texture is likened to a combination of clam and chicken with the meat tasting like a sweeter version of crab. The neck is often cut or ground and used in chowders or sautéed and also used in sushi, when it is known as mirugai in Japanese.
NIGHT VISION OPTICS
15
