23/04/14:Good and Bad News for New Zealand Salmon Industry

New Zealand King Salmon has won the right to set up three new marine farms in the Marlborough Sounds but says the Supreme Court decision allowing it to go ahead is "very bad" for aquaculture and primary industry.

The expansion would provide about 150 new jobs in Nelson and Marlborough, chief executive Grant Rosewarne said, and allow the company to eventually boost its output by about 70 per cent.

"I'm pleased that we have a strong growth trajectory for the foreseeable future. I'm really disappointed for the industry though, because I just don't see how the rest of the industry can do anything now," he said.

“It has been a long, expensive and uncertain process to get to this point,” said Aquaculture New Zealand Chairman Bruce Hearn but, of course, was a mixed result for the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) and Sustain Our Sounds (SOS), the two groups that had taken appeals to the court.

The board of inquiry sat for nine weeks in 2012 and considered close to 1300 submissions, two-thirds in opposition, before eventually approving four farms. That decision was appealed first to the High Court and then the Supreme Court, which heard the case in November. A decision was expected by the end of last year but took an extra three months to be given.

“Hopefully we are now at a point where New Zealand King Salmon can proceed with their growth plans and get on with what they do best – sustainably producing the world’s best salmon.

“Salmon farming currently generates $150 Million in annual revenue from a handful of carefully chosen sites around the country.

Image taken from page 28 of 'Recollections of Travel in New Zealand and Australia ... With maps and illustrations' (Photo credit: The British Library)

“These additional sites will utilise a fraction of the Marlborough Sounds’ water surface, under carefully controlled conditions, and generate substantial economic benefits and employment.”

“The Inquiry drew on independent scientific evidence and relevant experts and found New Zealand King Salmon can farm these new sites in balance with the local environment and community.

“The weight of scientific evidence shows that salmon farming in the right sites is sustainable and social research shows the majority of New Zealanders support growth in the industry.”

At the heart of it all, is nutritious and delicious premium salmon in demand here in New Zealand and high-end international markets, Mr. Hearn said. 

“Aquaculture is good for Marlborough. The aquaculture industry and New Zealand King Salmon will continue to work hard to ensure it is an asset the community can be proud of.” 

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The Aquaculturists
This blog is maintained by The Aquaculturists staff and is supported by the magazine International Aquafeed which is published by Perendale Publishers Ltd.