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Greenshell mussel farming. (Photo: aquaculture.org.nz)
Government's Aquaculture Strategy welcomed by industry
(NEW ZEALAND, 6/15/2012)
Aquaculture New Zealand (AQNZ) called this week’s announcement of the Government’s Aquaculture Strategy a strong show of support for the industry.
“Aquaculture is good for regional communities, good for the economy and good for New Zealand,” said AQNZ Chair Peter Vitasovich.
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| Farmed fresh King salmon. (Photo: aquaculture.org.nz) |
The Government’s Aquaculture Strategy takes into account the potential of aquaculture, he commented, and offers a solid framework for making better the sector’s ability to sustainably produce premium seafood and generate jobs and export earnings that will help improve the economy.
“Building on the legislative improvements made last year, the strategy is critical to the successful implementation of those changes,” Vitasovich stated.
Through the strategy and five-year action plan, the government will:
- Implement the new aquaculture law and work with councils and the public to come up with sensible and sustainable future aquaculture growth per New Zealand’s laws and regulations;
- Ensure the laws and frameworks governing the establishment and operation of marine and land-based aquaculture are effective and responsive, and enable industry investment;
- Deliver on the Crown’s aquaculture settlement obligations to Māori and identify opportunities for improving their well-being though aquaculture development;
- Build knowledge of environmental effects and ensure a healthy aquatic environment;
- Maintain and build world-leading animal health and welfare, food safety and biosecurity standards;
- Encourage investment and innovation; and
- Facilitate continued discussion between industry, government, Māori and the public regarding how aquaculture should grow and be managed.
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| (Graph: aquaculture.org.nz) |
Aquaculture, Vitasovich noted, is a noteworthy primary industry that gives work to more than 3,000 Kiwis, exports products to 79 countries and yielded over NZD 400 million (USD 311 million) of revenue last year. The government’s strategy fits in with the industry’s plan to reach NZD 1 billion (USD 777.6 million) in sales by 2025 and can facilitate growth.
He also pointed out not just the “fantastic flavour profiles” but also the health benefits of consuming New Zealand’s greenshell mussels, king salmon and Pacific oysters.
“The sector is very appreciative of the excellent work being done at the Ministry for Primary Industries and across government in support of our sector, however, progress and innovation must still be led from within the industry and we look forward to working with the government, and all its agencies, to deliver on the industry’s potential,” Vitasovich added.
By Natalia Real
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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Nelson
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New Zealand
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+64 3 548 8944
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