SPOTLIGHT
New Zealand aquaculture: Poised for growth Suzi Dominy, Blue Wave Media
Credits: NIWA
Aquaculture in New Zealand is on the cusp of expansion. Based on king salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha), green mussels (Perna canaliculus), Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and seaweed, the country has a reputation for sustainable, green production, recognized by Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch as best choice sustainable seafood. Current annual sales amount to NZD 600 million (USD 3.74 million). In a commendable example of cooperation between government, researchers, producers and indigenous communities, the sector is working together to reach its goal of NZD 3 billion (USD 1.87 billion) by 2035. Underpinning aquaculture growth is the Cawthron Institute, the country’s largest independent science organization, which is home to some 300 scientists, technicians, researchers, and specialist support
Hatchery Feed & Management Vol 11 Issue 3 2023
staff from all over the world. The century-old institute is home to the Cawthron Aquaculture Park. Situated just outside Nelson, in the Northwest region of the South Island, the 20-ha park is a purpose-built aquaculture hub for research, education and commercial development. It houses research laboratories and culture systems including micro- and macro-algae culture facilities, shellfish nurseries serviced by managed algae ponds, commercial shellfish hatcheries and several high-tech recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), designed specifically for finfish research.
Salmon is king Cawthron scientists have been working with farmers for 20 years, to understand and advance the little-studied king salmon – also known as Chinook – of which New
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