Introducing ... The Mussel Man

John Croft – the “Mussel Man”

It is over 30 years since marine scientist John Eric Croft became closely acquainted with the sex life of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel.

He is now regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on the life cycle, farming methods and therapeutic uses of marine extracts, including the remarkable New Zealand native shellfish, green lipped mussel.

John’s books and qualifications

John is the author of five books: Life in the Sea, The New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, Deep Sea Shark Liver Oil, Health from the Sea, Freedom from Disease.

John holds a National Certificate and Higher National Certificate in Chemistry; is a Licentiate of the Royal Society of Chemistry (London); and is a Member of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health (London).

History with the sea

English born and bred, John has always had a fascination for the sea. His career started out in the British merchant marine; and he spent 10 years at sea, three of which he was a sea captain.

In 1958, John landed a job as mate and master of a fishing patrol vessel operated by a British Government authority, charged with investigating the effects of pollution from estuaries on marine life. That led to a job setting up a laboratory to carry out fisheries research; and John completed his London University chemistry degree and extensive training in microbiology and trade waste analysis on the job.

McFarlane Fisheries and mussel farming

In 1972, John emigrated to New Zealand and soon joined a small Auckland company, McFarlane Fisheries Ltd, to help set up a marine farm and research hatchery for the cultivation of New Zealand green-lipped mussels. The operation’s initial goal was to farm mussels for food, but this soon changed to exploring the therapeutic potential of the shellfish.

Mussel research

John soon became responsible for the development and research programmes associated with the green-lipped mussel extract and other marine-based therapeutic products. When the company was sold in 1984, he remained as General Manager until 1994, then Research Director, until Healtheries bought the business in March 2000.

And today…

John now works as an independent research and development consultant for Vitaco, as well as several other international companies involved in health applications of marine therapeutic products.

As an active member of the New Zealand Mussel Industry Council Research Committee, John is still involved in designing and setting up marine farm operations. He advises on water pollution matters, and lectures in New Zealand and abroad on marine navigation and natural marine therapeutic products.

Personal use of Biolane^®

John’s belief in Biolane^® Extract is based on more than just the research. Several years ago, he developed painful arthritis in his right shoulder and started taking Biolane® Extract for the first time. Now, John is no longer troubled by arthritis, and is unwilling to stop taking Biolane® because he wants to avoid experiencing arthritic pain again.

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