Mussel farms in New Zealand serve as nutritional hubs for wild snapper (Chrysophrys auratus), potentially influencing their growth. Biochemical analyses and fatty acid biomarkers were used to identify differences in the characteristics of muscle tissue and the diet, of sixty snapper caught from within and outside GreenshellTM mussel farms, in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Results revealed distinct differences in muscle tissue composition between snapper from within the farms and those sampled just 500m outside. Specifically, snapper within mussel farms exhibited a 64% higher lipid content. Additionally, these individuals stored significantly higher levels of essential fatty acids, suggesting elevated food chain contribution from flagellates, likely through consumption of filter feeders like mussels. Our findings confirm that snapper within mussel farms have distinct diets, benefiting from nutritional resources which were consumed several days to weeks prior to capture. However, the long-term implications of these dietary shifts on snapper growth remain uncertain. This talk investigates whether the potential growth benefits of mussel diets are being archived in the long term record of their otoliths. Which will enhance our understanding of how mussel farms affect wild fish health, providing valuable insights for future management.