Dr Keith Michael

Biography

I have over 40 years of experience in fisheries science and surveys of shellfish and fish. I have led research projects on the biology, ecology, and fisheries for estuarine and coastal shellfish and fish including oysters, scallops, cockles, surf clams, queen scallops, deepwater crabs, geoducs and blue cod. I have participated in fish surveys in the UAE and American Samoa. My research is a mixture of pure and applied research that includes projects on the oyster diseases Bonamia exitiosa, B. ostreae surveillance, the development of new commercial shellfish fisheries, new fishing technologies and practices, and the effects of fishing on fisheries and ecosystems.

My current research interests include working towards a better understanding of how the interactions of climatic and biological factors, and co-infections by shellfish pathogens drive population dynamics, especially recruitment and mortality in shellfish.

I have a track record of bringing together stakeholders, effective stakeholder engagement and communication of research, development of strategic research plans, undertaking collaborative and wide-ranging research with iwi partners, industry and other organisations such as Fisheries New Zealand.

I sit on the Foveaux Strait Oyster Management Committee, the Fisheries New Zealand Shellfish Working Group, and collaborate closely with colleagues at Biosecurity NZ at the Ministry for Primary Industries. I also work with the Wellington Regional Council, Porirua City Council, with Maori fisheries groups, e.g., recently with Kapua Marine Farms and Rangitaane Iwi Surf Clam Collective.