Mark Cyrus

Dr. Cyrus is passionate about preserving the marine environment and its resources, particularly unlocking its’ potential for aquaculture development in a sustainable manner. His research focus is largely on new species development (particularly low tropic species), and the incorporation of macroalgae to improve many aspects of aquaculture production. Including larval settlement, feed development, and the recycling of nutrients for alternative crops through Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA).

Dr. Cyrus holds a B.Sc. (Botany), B.Sc. Honours (Ecology), and a Doctoral degree (PhD) in Biological Science (Aquaculture & Phycology) from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. His research focus has largely been in the field of marine aquaculture where he has conducted research on several aquatic species to improve production through the development of innovative culture technologies, including larval rearing techniques, system design, and nutritional research on the development of feeds and feed additives (probiotic and seaweed supplemented diets). This also includes a large focus on the incorporation of macroalgae into many of these technologies and a link to research into integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA).

Previously he was employed by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Directorate: Aquaculture Research & Development based at the “Marine Research Aquarium” in Cape Town.

What is Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)?

Enhanced production of aquatic organisms (with or without terrestrial organisms) of two or more functional groups, that are trophically connected by demonstrated nutrient flows and whose biomass is fully or partially removed by harvesting to facilitate ecological balance.