New Zealand has launched a new five-year roadmap to help grow the country’s aquaculture industry to NZD 3 billion in annual revenue by 2035.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones unveiled the New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan 2025 – 2030 at the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival in Marlborough and also pledged NZ$9.9 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to help improve Havelock Marina.
“I’ve never been shy about my ambitions for the aquaculture sector,” said Jones.
“The industry brings in NZD 760 million in annual revenue and employs more than 3,000 Kiwis. The development plan sets out the steps we will take to grow it to a NZD 3 billion a year industry and double the jobs.”
The government has already taken significant steps over the past year to support aquaculture including extending marine consents, passing the Fast-track Approvals Act and investing NZD 11.72 million in a project to boost open ocean salmon farming.
The new plan outlines the key factors identified for industry growth over the next 10 years, including making the most of existing marine farms, growing production through open ocean aquaculture, supporting Māori leadership in the sector through the aquaculture settlement, farming new species and supporting new technology.
Minister Jones highlighted the NZD 9.9 million loan for Havelock Marina, a key hub for New Zealand’s greenshell mussel industry.
The loan will fund dredging of the marina channel and basin, ensuring safe access for commercial users and residents. The project’s total cost is NZD 19.8 million, with NZD 9.9 million co-funding from Port Marlborough.
