Our team focuses on the physiological, ecological, and genetic correlates of growth in bivalve molluscs of commercial importance in South African aquaculture. We are interested in the sustainable culture of Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas. Provided the impacts of alien introductions are responsibly managed, oysters are a relatively low-impact culture species because they filter-feed low on the marine food web, and do not require feeding. Our projects on the socio-economics of bivalve culture in the Western Cape, and on the influences of oyster genetics, abiotic factors and phytoplankton productivity on oyster growth in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape coastal waters all aim to serve the local industry while reducing its environmental impacts. Exploration of the culture potential of indigenous bivalves will become a focus in the near future.
In the past, I worked on ecological and evolutionary aspects of digestion, metabolism and respiration in animals (seabirds, domestic poultry, sled dogs and insects) and human athletes.
Contact details:
Sue Jackson
Department of Botany & Zoology
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1
Matieland 7602
South Africa
