KEY POINTS:
Seafood sales were down last year, with the high dollar curbing benefits from strong international prices, says the Seafood Industry Council.
Market prices for most export species had increased in US dollar terms during the previous year. The price of skipjack tuna was up 45 per cent, ling 35 per cent, snapper 25 per cent, hoki 20 per cent and mussels 10 per cent.
However, council chief executive Owen Symmans said the increased export return had been depressed.
"With 2007's exchange rate achieving over US79c during the year, sales were worth $1.25 billion compared to $1.35 billion in 2006," Symmans said.
"The industry's return is falling around $20 million for every cent the NZ dollar strengthens." The pressure on the industry had implications for investment, employment and research and development, he said.
"It's worrying that we are not able to maximise investment and consolidation for the industry's future because we cannot reap the benefits of the current high market rate for our product."
UNDER PRESSURE
* International prices for export fish are up.
* 2007 sales were worth $1.25 billion.
* 2006 sales were worth $1.35 billion.
* $20 million fall in returns for every US cent.
