The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (www.frdc.com.au) are funding a project titled "Industry management and commercialisation plan for the Sydney rock oyster breeding program", run by The Institute for Genetics and Bioinformatics (TIGB, UNE), NSW DPI at the Port Stephens Fisheries Centre, and the Sydney Oyster Company (SOCo). The primary aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive breeding plan for Sydney Rock Oysters, which will be implemented over the next ten years, so that the oyster industry can reliably obtain oysters with improved performance and productivity.

The TIGB component of the project involves developing the breeding objectives for SRO lines. This involves establishing profit models for hatcheries, oyster farmers and retailers, in order to estimate the economic importance of various traits to the Oyster Industry. The student would conduct some industry based field work (through the Port Stephens Fisheries Centre) to collect the necessary biological and economic data. The student would review current oyster breeding programs, assess alternative breeding program designs, and perform the required data analyses for estimating economic values at UNE.

We are looking for a student that meets the requirements to do a Masters through UNE. They must have a good academic record, be highly motivated, and be capable of working independently and with people from a range of backgrounds (oyster farmers, industry representatives, research scientists). A background in genetics, mathematics and/or economics would be an advantage, but is not essential.

For further information, contact:


Dr Kim Bunter
Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit
University of New England
Armidale, NSW, 2351
Phone: (02) 6773 3788
Fax: (02) 6773 3266
Email: kbunter2@une.edu.au