Dr Alvin Setiawan

Biography

As Programme Leader for the Aquaculture Production Research at NIWA, I lead and coordinate research on the production of aquaculture species (e.g., finfish, shellfish) at the Northland Aquaculture Centre, Ruakaka. This programme aims to support existing aquaculture industries and to foster or drive the viable commercialisation of new aquaculture species in NZ.

My present research encompasses various aspects of fish physiology, behaviour and genetics within the aquaculture context. These include whole-animal and molecular aspects of reproduction, growth and welfare. I have used shortfinned eels (Anguilla australis) as a model for investigating the role of androgens in reproductive development and migratory behaviour. My current research includes, among others, the reproductive development and control of yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) and hāpuku (groper; Polyprion oxygeneios), genetic selection of finfish (yellowtail kingfish and hāpuku)  and shellfish (e.g., paua Haliotis iris a.k.a. blackfoot abalone), resolving the production bottleneck of larvae and juvenile survival in hāpuku, the relationship between environmental tolerances and growth performance, optimal feeding strategies for growers and broodstock, and wastewater denitrification.

Prior to my research career in fish, I completed my PhD. on the social behaviour and endocrinology of yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes), and a B.Sc. honours project on the mating behaviour of alpine weta (Hemideina maori).