New Zealand King Salmon and Aquaculture New Zealand on Thursday welcomed New Zealand’s five-year action plan for aquaculture, published early this week.
The plan is designed establish a regulatory framework to facilitate the sustainable growth of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, helping it achieve its goal of NZD 1 billion in annual sales by 2025.
NZ King Salmon CEO Grant Rosewarne said his company’s plans are fully aligned with the government’s strategy. ““We are very pleased with the government’s aquaculture plans which set the scene for sustainable growth, something we have consistently supported,” he said.?“The government’s strategy has major regional benefits for the Top of the South. The region is in the enviable position of being home to the world’s biggest farmer and supplier of nutritious and healthy king salmon,” continued Rosewarne. “The Top of the South must embrace the opportunities the government has provided to create new jobs and bring in millions of dollars to the regional economy while maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.”
NZ King Salmon produces 8,000 metric tons of king salmon annually, representing 70 percent of the country’s salmon output. The company’s annual sales total NZD 115 million.
“The government’s strategy recognizes the potential of aquaculture and provides a solid framework for enhancing the sector’s ability to sustainably produce premium seafood, create regional jobs and generate much needed export earnings for the economy,” added Peter Vitasovich, chair of Aquaculture New Zealand. “Building on the legislative improvements made last year, the strategy is critical to the successful implementation of those changes.”
New Zealand’s aquaculture industry employs more than 3,000 people, exports to 79 countries and generated more than NZD 400 million in revenue last year, noted Vitasovich.
In a statement early this week, David Carter, minister for primary industries, said: “Aquaculture is relatively young in New Zealand and has seen significant regulatory change in recent years. The success of the most recent reforms will need central government support, particularly for local authorities which are looking for government to assist with their critical role in managing sector growth. The true value of the recent regulatory reforms will only be realized through a coordinated plan of action across government.”
Click here to download a PDF of New Zealand’s five-year action plan for aquaculture >
