Turning scallop waste into wealth

About the research project

The commercial scallop, Pecten fumatus, is the primary species targeted by southeastern Australian scallop fisheries. When scallops are processed for consumption, the edible parts of the scallop, the adductor muscle and roe, are removed from the shell and other tissue. The adductor muscle accounts for about 7-12% of a scallop’s total weight and the roe another 2-6%, leaving 80-90%, comprised of shells and tissue, as waste. Across the Tasmanian and Commonwealth fisheries, this can result in the accumulation of over 6,000 tonnes of scallop waste in a busy season. Currently the scallop processing industry must pay to have scallop waste removed, with waste disposal costs of $5,000-$7,000 per month and can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year across the entire industry. 

This PhD research project will investigate potential markets for scallop waste, including shells, tissue and roe. This investigation will include previously explored possibilities, like shells for fertiliser and tissue waste as fishing bait, as well as other novel ideas targeted at more premium bioproducts, such as using shells in designer wall treatments and tissue as a food product for human consumption. 

A key element of this research will be liaising with the potential product industries to identify regulatory requirements and other inevitable roadblocks to development for the selected product, such as the need for chemical composition analysis of shells (e.g., x-ray fluorescence). Identifying and resolving these roadblocks will be a critical step towards providing practical pathways for the processing industry to turn their costly waste into products that facilitate additional revenue and generate additional employment opportunities. A second component to the research will conduct an economic cost-benefit analysis of the market for the selected bioproduct, as the development of processes will involve some new costs such as treatment and sanitisation, as well as potential for some additional revenue sources. Ultimately, this project will produce prototype samples of the bioproduct identified as having the greatest marketability and benefit to the scallop fishery. A small-scale production of samples will be conducted and they will be packaged and labelled to create interest and excitement for the scallop industry and potential commercial partners. By providing a tangible product, this project will demonstrate the feasibility of the process for the scallop industry and remove many of the barriers to commercial production.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Ryan Day

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by Marine Bioproducts CRC of $60,000 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Applicants should hold a strong academic record (e.g., BSc Hons, MSc, or equivalent). Backgrounds across a wide range of fields including, but not limited to, marine biology, materials science, analytical chemistry, marine resource economics will be considered.
• Applicants must demonstrate research capability through a thesis, publication record, or equivalent research experience.
• A willingness to participate in fieldwork at scallop industry related sites (e.g., processors, vessels) across Tasmania, including under variable weather conditions, is essential.
• Applicants must have or be able to obtain a drivers license

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Ryan Day to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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