Opinion: Aquaculture has the potential to transform Southland’s economy, and I am a keen advocate of this new and exciting sector.
It’s important for this province’s economic future that we boost export industries and create new jobs, and aquaculture has the potential to achieve this.
In the South, we have the assets needed, including cold, clean water, an extensive coastline, great staff, expertise, and an already well-established seafood industry.
I believe that commercially successful aquaculture development has the potential to make a significant contribution to Southland’s economic and social well-being.
The Government recognises aquaculture’s enormous potential and has made developing the sector a priority.
We’ve set an ambitious goal for aquaculture in New Zealand, aiming for it to be a $3 billion industry by 2035.
Last month, we announced $2.2 million in support for the development of a Southland aquaculture business hub at Bluff.
South Island Industrial Fund Ltd will put this Regional Infrastructure Fund loan towards infrastructure upgrades for its $6.3m plant expansion. The former Ocean Beach freezing works site is already being used to farm seaweed, pāua, and whitebait onshore.
This is an exciting initiative for our province, and indeed the whole country, and it’s great to see this innovation happening in our own backyard.
Further to that, three of the seven aquaculture projects included in the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill are based here in Southland:
- Ngāi Tahu Seafood’s Hananui Aquaculture Project, which proposes to operate open ocean salmon farming off Stewart Island.
- ImpactMarine’s on-land salmon farm at Bluff.
- Sanford’s on-land salmon hatchery.
These projects have the potential to supercharge our economy, create jobs, and deliver growth to Southland.
We have the resources, the skilled workforce, the business expertise, and the innovative spirit needed to drive positive change in this province.
The chance for Southland to contribute even more to the nation’s economic recovery is very real – and I look forward to supporting these initiatives.
Penny Simmonds
Invercargill MP. Published by arrangement, Funded by Parliamentary Services.