Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton and Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick said the largest marine farm in New Zealand could have the potential to provide 500 new jobs. It is announced that Eastern Seafarms Ltd has received final approval for the staged development of 3,800 hectares of marine farming space 8.5km offshore of Opotiki for mussel farming and spat catching.
According to Jim Anderton the development of this large marine farm will boost the Bay of Plenty regional economy, especially in the Opotiki area, bringing jobs and investment both in the construction of the farm and its ongoing operation. It is also said that the Whakatohea Maori Trust Board is the majority shareholder (54 percent) in the farm along with Sealord Shellfish Ltd and NZ Seafarms Ltd.
Steve Chadwick explained that the development of new farm has the potential to bring large benefits to local Maori, both in their majority ownership and also through increased employment and career opportunities. Jim Anderton opined that this farm will offer excellent opportunities to undertake further research and development into offshore marine farming, which is still in its early stages in New Zealand.
Anderton explained that off shore marine farming has huge potential for the future growth of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry. It is told that there will be stage wise development in this new farm. The permits initially allow for 8 “blocks”, equating to 256 longlines over 1,600 hectares to be developed. Monitoring is essential requirement between each stage being developed to enhance the productivity.
