Science Centres: Fisheries

Things are looking pretty positive for NZ’s aquaculture industry, with the Government backing a major expansion of the sector. Māori have a big role to play and NIWA has been on the road, providing iwi with the latest information on aquaculture technologies, costs, and returns for a range of aquaculture species.

"The time is right to ensure that iwi are informed about the tasks and economic realities of commercial aquaculture," says Andrew Forsythe, NIWA’s General Manager for Aquaculture and Biotechnology. "Together with Te Puni Kōkiri, we have developed a roadshow to present an assessment of the risks and opportunities that aquaculture offers."

The roadshow will travel to ten regions in total, from Kaikohe to Christchurch. At each location, a presentation is given on the science behind farming five key species – kingfish, paua, oysters, mussels, and eels; also cultivation technologies, an overview of the economics of production, regional relevance, and opportunities for development. This is followed by presentations from Takutai Trust (Māori Commercial Aquaculture Settlement Trust formed under Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Limited), Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development), and the local regional council. The roadshows will be backed up with regionally focused aquaculture reports and a website.

Initial project support was provided by Technology New Zealand. Te Puni Kōkiri is funding the roadshows and production of supporting literature.