The first new space allocated in nine years for salmon farming in waters in Marlborough, New Zealand, has seen operations officially begin at two new salmon farms operated by New Zealand King Salmon, with a third farm expected to follow later in the year.
The three new farms will enable New Zealand King Salmon to approximately double its salmon production from around 6,000 metric tons (MT) to 12,000 MT over the coming years, with the company anticipating the extra output to fill the strong demand from international markets, in particular North America.
According to CEO, Grant Rosewarne, salmon farming has helped put Marlborough on the menu as a world-class culinary destination.
“Not only do we grow the best salmon in the world, we tell the NZ story with our brands,” he said.
“Salmon represents one of the most sustainable ways of producing animal protein and these farms are an important addition to the regional economy. They also support the government’s commitment to creating sustainable food sources through aquaculture.”
The new sites are in the first stage of farming with small increases allowed every three years in accordance with resource consents and environmental conditions, said Rosewarne. It will be up to 16 years before each is fully productive.
“Once fully operational, salmon farming in Marlborough will generate around NZD 230 million (USD 168.3 million, EUR 152 million) in direct revenues plus flow-on business for local companies supporting the industry. These include transport operators, engineering firms, science providers, tourism operators, local contractors and retail shops,” he said.
