Sustainable Farming Fund invests in aquaculture growth

Sustainable Farming Fund invests in sustainable aquaculture growth

April 19, 2012

Aquaculture New Zealand (AQNZ) has welcomed the Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) grants for new aquaculture research and development.

AQNZ Chair Peter Vitasovich said the new projects announced yesterday by Minister Nathan Guy would help the industry deliver long-term sustainable growth for regional communities and the New Zealand economy.

“New Zealand’s aquaculture industry employs over 3000 Kiwis and generates significant export earnings through the sustainable production of premium seafood,” Mr Vitasovich said.

“SFF funding will enable industry to move closer to its $1 billion annual revenue target by improving productivity and yield, developing capability, strengthening public support and understanding, while investing in new species development.

“The farming premium King salmon project will enable industry to investigate the environmental, genetic and nutritional influences on fish morphology.

“A second project focusing on King salmon will foster the ability to develop custom vaccines within New Zealand. SFF funding will see this capability developed as a component of the industry’s overall biosecurity toolbox.

“The Greenshell mussel industry utilises wild-caught spat (seed mussels) collected from Ninety Mile Beach. The GLM(9) Advisory Group project, will help improve the sustainable management of this resource and maximise the value New Zealand obtains from it. The SFF funding will also see the production of resources to improve understanding and community support in the area.

“We also welcome the investment in Koura and Eel farming and watch with great interest.”

AQNZ is the peak industry body for New Zealand marine farmers producing Greenshell mussel, King salmon and Pacific oyster farmers.

“Aquaculture offers New Zealand a unique opportunity to utilise our coastal resources to generate more jobs and grow the economy by farming carefully chosen sites under planned and controlled conditions,” Mr Vitasovich said.

“The Government continues to work with industry to help unlock the potential and deliver gains for New Zealand.

“Aquaculture is good for communities, good for the economy and good for New Zealand.”

ENDS

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