The seafood industry in New Zealand continues to show strong growth with export earnings reaching NZD 1.8 billion (USD 1.3 billion, EUR 1.2 billion) in the year to June, confirmed Seafood New Zealand’s Executive Chairman George Clement.
Speaking at the seafood industry’s annual conference, Clement said the June result was an increase of USD 201 million (USD 146.5 million, EUR 131 million) on the same time last year, ”further demonstrating that we continue to make a significant contribution to the economy as one of the country’s main export earners.”
He said, “Last year industry accepted the Government’s aspirational goal of doubling export revenues by 2025 and we are on the growth path to achieve this.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the fisheries Quota Management System (QMS), “a fisheries system that was world leading when it was established, and continues to stand the test of time.”
Prudent stewardship of New Zealand’s fisheries, underpinned by sound science are the cornerstones of the QMS, he said.
“The Ministry for Primary Industries has decades of peer-reviewed science that show steady and increasing levels of abundance in each of our main fish stocks.
“But this isn’t about resting on our laurels, while celebrating our success, we are very focused on the future and are constantly bringing in new improvements including trawl harvesting techniques, scientific assessments and innovative technology,” he said.
Meanwhile, New Zealand deepsea fishing company Sealord has said it is to make a NZD 70 million (USD 50.8 million, EUR 45.6 million) investment in its fishing fleet with the purchase of a new state-of-the-art vessel – the first new vessel for the country’s deepwater fishery in 20 years.
The vessel, which will process its catch while at sea, will provide Sealord’s fishing capability with 20,000 metric tons (MT) capacity and will be delivered in 2018.
