Digital Spat Counting

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A digital imaging platform designed in Dunedin may be the boost the New Zealand GreenshellTM Mussel industry needs to achieve its goal of being a $1 Billion export earner by 2035.

Research using Techion’s digital imaging device coupled with its cloud software could be part of the solution to secure quality spat (juvenile mussels) supply, one of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand’s mussel growing industry. According to Dr Dave Taylor, Technical Director at Aquaculture New Zealand (AQNZ) “investing in innovation and technology is vital to unlocking further economic, social and environmental benefits from sustainable aquaculture”. The AQNZ GreenshellTM Mussel Spat Strategy 2019, identifies three focus areas to achieve industry production goals: securing and diversifying spat supplies, optimising spat use, and increasing hatchery production to increase spat retention, resilience and value.