The key to generating more sales is to expand into new high-value finfish, said NIWA Chief Executive John Morgan. (Photo: NIWA/ Stock File)

Aquaculture set to boom

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Chief Executive John Morgan has welcomed plans for the aquaculture industry regulatory reform announced by Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Phil Heatley.

Cabinet has agreed to some amendments to help improve the sector's potential to create sustainable economic growth for the national industry through the production of mussels, oysters and salmon.

"We believe that the aquaculture industry can reach its goal of NZD 1 billion (USD 729.6 million) in sales by 2025, particularly if it expands into new high-value finfish," Morgan said. "Salmon farmed in New Zealand have been a tremendous success story, and we think New Zealand companies can achieve similar success with high-value fish like hapuku (groper) and kingfish".

Hapuku has the potential as a premium product in the global super- fine dining sector, according to a recent market tasting of NIWA's farmed fish with top Australasian chefs.

"One of the chefs said it was the best white-fleshed farmed fish he had tasted," Morgan boasted.

NIWA has profitably produced commercial quantities of juvenile kingfish and similar hapuku is next. Researchers are currently working on selective breeding, ensuring the continued enhancement of stock quality and comprehending the conditions needed for optimal growth of the species to market-size.

"Research [and] development of this nature is not a trivial exercise -- it has taken six years of innovative work, but we now have the infrastructure, knowledge and skill to support start-up ventures," Morgan noted. "So the future is very promising."

Aquaculture New Zealand Chairman Peter Vitasovich also said the government’s move -- which will streamline the Resource Management Act, among other advantages -- will help the industry reach its sales goal by 2025, reports NZI Business.

In terms of aquaculture growth, Vitasovich said its stagnancy became clear in 2004 when a moratorium was lifted. No new water space has been allocated, farmers have not been able to switch farmed species and the renewal process has been thorny.

Although, the government can over-ride councils on consent, Vitasovich said everyone has struggled with the status quo and there is a joint wish to see the sector grow.

Vitasovich believes raising the current annual total of NZD 380 million (USD 277.2 million) across three species of mussels, oysters and salmon to NZD 1 billion (USD 729.6 million) a year is attainable, and that the key is a robust legislative framework, good research and development and good marketing.

Referring to the recent case of the volcanic ash over Europe and consequent urgent demand for king salmon, Vitasovich said the changes will let the industry respond rapidly to unexpected changes.

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- Minister may override plans in aquaculture's favour

By Natalia Real
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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