The recent New Zealand Aquaculture Conference demonstrated that the country is looking forward to a new era of sustainable growth and investment in aquaculture.
The two day conference in Nelson, now in its fourth year, brought together experts from around the country to share ideas, research and insight in aquaculture.
Aquaculture New Zealand chief executive, Mike Burrell, addressed the conference and explained that five years into the sector’s 20 year strategy, the country has come a long way.
“We have a new law, market collaboration, new private and public investment in research and development and marketing and strong partnerships”, he said.
In addition to this he said there have been new applications for marine space, for the first time in a decade.
On 1 October this year, aquaculture legislative reforms came into effect in New Zealand - intended to foster environmentally sustainable aquaculture.
At the same time, the law maintains essential protections for the environment and balances aquaculture with other uses of coastal space.
Speakers at the conference included the Prime Minister John Key and the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Phil Heatley.
