New Zealand Seafood Industry Council (NZSIC) has confirmed that industry’s sustainable strength is shown in four billion dollar value. NZSIC Chief Executive Owen Symmans said that the $1.23 billion increase in wild catch value since 1996 confirms the importance of the seafood sector to the economy. Figures released by Statistics New Zealand which shows that its seafood industry – which is the country’s fifth largest exporter – is maintaining its strength in the current recession and remain an important contributor to New Zealand’s economy.
It is said that the figures refer to the asset value of wild catch species managed under the quota management system. Wild catch are species that are not reared under aquaculture conditions such as salmon or mussels. Symmans informed that the seafood industry as a whole is a valuable contributor to the economy, and these figures confirm that. Not only is it pumping dollars into the country – and continuing to grow – it also provides direct and indirect employment for more than 20 000 people.
According to Symmans every person associated with seafood industry is proud on the fact they can contribute to sustainable economic growth, particularly during the current economic climate.
