Southland ahead of the curve with aquaculture report

As the Government prepares a New Zealand strategy for aquaculture, Venture Southland is one step ahead.

Its aquaculture project, supported by the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise regional strategic fund, is almost complete and looks at how aquaculture could be developed in Southland.

Venture Southland enterprise and strategic projects group manager Steve Canny said a report on the project had been peer reviewed and was almost ready for publication.

‘‘We looked at developing new and existing opportunities within the aquaculture industry and aim to make export earnings for the region.’’ he said.

This would be done on and off shore and would not compromise the environment, he said.

Mr Canny could not say what the report says until industry stakeholders had been consulted, but said it explored various opportunities to develop the aquaculture industry, such as utilising and growing species that already exist, seaweed extraction and fish farming.

He stressed the region had significant potential with its strong fishing industry and the people who supported it.

‘‘This is a great opportunity for iwi to develop their own industries and natural fisheries and fish farms to work together,’’ he said.

The project is expected to be released to the public next month.

A Government strategy under development intends to highlight how it can help the wider aquaculture industry realise its ambitions for growth.

Agriculture and Forestry Ministry resource management and programmes deputy directorgeneral Scott Gallacher said the drafting of the strategy is progressing well and will be presented to ministers for decision in the coming month.

‘‘Once agreed, MAF and other agencies will be working with individual regions on bringing the strategy to life,’’ he said.