Maren Wellenreuther

Maren Wellenreuther is a German–New Zealand marine scientist, and is a full professor at the University of Auckland, specialising in the development of indigenous fish aquaculture.

Early life and education Wellenreuther was born in Göttingen. She earned a master's degree in Australia before completing a PhD titled Ecological factors associated with speciation in New Zealand triplefin fishes (Family Tripterygiidae) at the University of Auckland. Her thesis won the Marian Cranwell Prize for best ecological PhD thesis.

Wellenreuther is an evolutionary ecologist and marine scientist, who uses evolutionary theory and genomics to try to improve fish production for aquaculture. Wellenreuther leads an MBIE-funded project worth $5.5 million to develop a native species of fish for aquaculture.

Honours and awards In 2013 Wellenreuther received a King Carl XVI Gustaf's 50-years award, which was given to "researchers who promote and contribute to the knowledge and preservation of biological diversity".

Selected works