Overview

The Marine Disease, Welfare & Restoration (MDWR) Research Group investigates how disease, nutrition, and environmental stressors influence the health, welfare, and resilience of aquatic species, with a particular focus on shellfish.

The group integrates experimental aquaculture, disease ecology, and ecosystem service science to address applied challenges facing sustainable food production and marine restoration. Current research spans functional feeds and welfare in shrimp aquaculture, native oyster restoration and ecosystem service valuation, and parasite-host interactions in wild crustaceans.

Core research themes include:

  • Aquatic animal welfare and condition assessment
  • Marine disease ecology and parasite dynamics
  • Sustainable aquaculture and functional feeds
  • Shellfish restoration and ecosystem services
  • Translation of science into policy, industry, and restoration practice

The group aims to generate evidence-led, policy-relevant research that supports sustainable aquaculture, resilient coastal ecosystems, and responsible marine management.

three people smiling
students in a lab
students in a lab
student in a lab
research boat in a sea