Current: Associate Professor and Graduate Research Coordinator, School of Aquaculture;
2002-2006 - Senior Lecturer, School of Aquaculture, University of Tasmania
1998 - 2001 Lecturer, School of Aquaculture, University of Tasmania;
1994 - 1998 Lecturer, Department of Marine Biology, James Cook University;
1990-1994 PhD, James Cook University
Research Interests
My area of research is marine invertebrate population and community ecology,
my specific area of interest is in molluscs, with explicit expertise in squid
biology and ecology. I have supervised and managed research projects
involving a range of species across covering both applied issues affecting
the aquaculture industry, and wild harvest industry. I also have a strong
research profile exploring the processes behind the patterns of growth in cephalopods.
Squid Biology and Ecology
My key research focus in squid biology that demonstrated that mechanistically
squid have the capability to continue growth throughout their life and energy
for reproduction is unlikely to be sourced from fat or sugar stores (see
review paper). I am particularly interested in population and individual-based
approaches to research questions that identify and quantify energy allocation
and energetic trade-offs responsible for life history traits (growth and reproduction)
in squid. The outcomes of my research have had implications in both pure
research associated with understanding growth dynamics.
Funded research has
explored rates of protein synthesis as a function of energy allocated to somatic
and reproductive growth, as a way of understanding the continuous growth pattern
of squid (in collaboration with Prof
Chris Carter). This work has looked the
relationship between energy intake and the use of this energy for metabolism
and growth. Current work is looking at the influence of parental condition,
food and temperature and how they interact to affect life history traits (MSc
student Rachael
Himmelberg and PhD student - Matt
Kuipers).
I have also had funded research that assessed the life history characteristics
of spawning aggregations of southern calamary in Tasmania. This work involved
quantifying reproductive output as a function of the biological characteristics
of the adults, as well as deetermining factors affecting the mortality and
growth rates of the embryos on the spawning beds. Past work has described and
assessed the capacity of newly hatched juveniles to capture and digest prey
items, through a combined behavioral and ultrastructural approach (PhD student
- Colin
Johnson).
Shellfish Aquaculture
My interest in the allocation of energy to growth and reproduction in invertebrates
has resulted in the development of productive collaborations with shellfish
aquaculture industries in Tasmania, in particular the oyster and mussel industry.
I am currently engaged in research with the oyster industry (ASI - Australian
Seafood Industries) to quantify and understand the growth dynamics of thorough-bred
oysters (produced through selective breeding). More recent interactions
are with the mussel industry resulting in a project looking at the reproductive
biology of blue mussels to allow controlled year-round production of juveniles
(PhD student - Jo
Fearman). This work will significantly increase the value
of mussel aquaculture in Australia. I am also supervising projects that are
exploring the development of hatchery techniques
for new species (MSc student - Stephen O'Connor).
Teaching
UnitsSelected Publications:- Moltschaniwskyj, N.A., 2004, 'Understanding the processes of growth in cephalopods', Marine and Freshwater Research , 55, pgs. 379-386
- Moltschaniwskyj, N.A. & D.J. Johnston, 2006, 'Evidence that lipid is digested, but not stored, by the dumpling squid Euprymna tasmanica.', Marine Biology, 149, pgs. 565-572
- Steer M.A., N.A. Moltschaniwskyj, D.S. Nichols, M. Miller., 2004, 'Factors affecting embryo survivorship: the role of temperature and maternal ration', Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology , 307, pgs. 73-89
- Pecl G.T., N.A. Moltschaniwskyj, S.R. Tracey & A.R. Jordan , 2004, 'Inter-annual plasticity of squid life-history and population structure: Ecological and management implications', Oecologia , 139, pgs. 515-524
- Johnston, D., Moltschaniwskyj, N., & Wells, J. , 2005, 'Development of the radula and digestive system of juvenile blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra): potential factors responsible for variable weaning success on artificial diets ', Aquaculture, in press
Full Publication List Current and Supervised Project/s:
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