Into the Blue. Is this aquaculture’s big moment or another damp squib? – With a vast, untapped resource lapping our shores, the ocean may provide the largest opportunity for the primary sector since the Dunedin first set off with frozen carcasses in 1882. But after 20 years of flat lining can the aquaculture sector perform a miracle and treble in value to reach $3 billion in just 10 years, as the government wants?
- The sector is starting from a low base, but with investment in science and technology, matched with more fit-for-purpose regulations, it could take a fair share of the growing global market.
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Climate change creates extraordinary stress on aquaculture. Land based biosecurity expertise could provide a unique opportunity.
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New Zealand could become a scale player in aquaculture if it can conquer the high energy South Pacific Ocean.
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Scepticism surrounds the government’s $3 billion revenue goal by 2030. To achieve it New Zealand needs to triple the freight and quadruple the supply chain.
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Easing the consenting process for existing aquaculture companies is a great first step by the government, but foreign capital and the provision of new consents opening prime ocean space will be crucial.
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Māori entities have an important role as kaitiaki and holders of significant quota.
