Nick Elliott leads research on new technologies for improving aquaculture production in Australia.

Dr Nick Elliott: improving aquaculture productivity

Dr Nick Elliott leads a multi-disciplinary team involved in the research, development and application of new technologies for improving aquaculture production in Australia.

• 1 August 2007 | Updated 14 October 2011

• Current activities
• Background
• Academic qualifications 
• Achievements

Current activities

Dr Nick Elliott is the Aquaculture Stream Leader with the Breed Engineering Theme of the Food Futures Flagship and a Project Leader with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.

He is based at the Hobart laboratories of CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.

Dr Elliott leads research relating to the development and management of industry-based selective breeding programs for the Atlantic salmon, abalone and Pacific oyster industries.

His research includes:

• development of a DNA vaccine against an external gill parasite
• genetics of disease resistance
• molecular markers for pedigree identification
• understanding sex determination in aquaculture species
• improving breeding selection
• novel technologies for individual animal identification
• measurement of complex traits such as product quality.

The research benefits from strong partnerships Dr Elliott developed with aquaculture industry representatives, national and international universities, and other research groups.

Dr Elliott has a special interest in ensuring the product quality and health benefits of seafood are maximised through aquaculture breeding programs.

Background

After a joining CSIRO in a science management role in 1984 Dr Elliott developed expertise in molecular genetics and an interest in applying genetics to enhance the fledgling aquaculture industry.

Academic qualifications

Dr Elliott has completed both a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Marine Ecology, and a Doctorate, at the University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

His doctoral research focussed on the use of marine molluscs as sentinel organisms for monitoring heavy metal pollution in the marine environment.

Achievements

Dr Elliott was a co-author of the books:

• Seafood the Good Food
• Seafood the Good Food II.

These books outlined the oil content and composition of Australian commercial fishes, shellfishes and crustaceans.

Dr Elliott is active in postgraduate student supervision and encourages the inclusion of students in both strategic and industry-focussed research.

Read more about Breeding better salmon.