A draft marine aquaculture strategy developed by the Waikato Regional Council in New Zealand with industry input sets a vision which will see the doubling of export growth in less than 10 years.
The Strategy and Policy Committee endorsed the draft document for further consultation with iwi and key stakeholders when it met this month.
A report to the committee said the Waikato region is a significant player in the aquaculture industry, contributing 12 per cent of New Zealand’s aquaculture GDP.
The industry is poised for considerable growth with marine farms in the region occupying both the Coromandel Peninsula and parts of the west coast, providing an opportunity for the region to become world renowned for its aquaculture sector, the report said. However, with this opportunity also comes the need to ensure a durable future.
That’s where the strategy comes in, setting a vision for stakeholders to create a sustainable, resilient and innovative future for the industry and the region, with a doubling of export growth by 2031.
The strategy provides guidance on both regulatory and non-regulatory mechanisms to help achieve this goal of growing an aquaculture industry that produces highly valued seafood while at the same time being mindful of the region’s environment, local communities and mana whenua.