Government's Role
The government is committed to environmentally sustainable aquaculture development.
Although the Ministry of Fisheries is the lead for aquaculture in New Zealand, aquaculture has become a whole-of-government initiative. This is because sustainable aquaculture involves a range of considerations - e.g. coastal planning, customary rights and environmental management.
The Ministers of Fisheries, Conservation, Economic Development, Environment, Local Government and Māori Affairs are closely interested in the development of sustainable aquaculture. And chief executives from these government agencies meet on a regular basis to address aquaculture issues.
Beyond this, a team of staff across these agencies coordinates and implements aquaculture initiatives in partnership with industry, Māori and local government. This Aquaculture Implementation Team meets regularly and is coordinated by the Ministry of Fisheries.
The five key pillars in the government’s commitment are:
- Building the confidence to invest
- Improving public support
- Promoting Māori success
- Capitalising on research and innovation
- Increasing market revenues
The New Zealand government has also developed a National Aquaculture Position Statement. The guiding principles behind the position statement include maximising economic benefits, stewardship, promoting innovation, Māori participation and good governance.
These principles outline the government’s support for the aquaculture industry achieving maximum sustainable growth, while also meeting regional, national and international expectations for environmental, social and economic performance.
This activity is in addition to the statutory roles of the Ministry of Fisheries in assessing effects of new aquaculture on fishing, and the Minister of Conservation’s overall approval role for new aquaculture areas.
