Sealife key to growth in North says report

Northland's aquaculture industry has the potential to grow by more than $100 million a year and generate more than 1000 new jobs, a development group says.

The Enterprise Northland Aquaculture Development group has issued reports on the development potential of six marine species it says could transform the industry in Northland.

The research, commissioned by the group in partnership with Industry New Zealand (New Zealand Trade and Enterprise) and Te Puni Kokiri, was undertaken by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research.

The research found Northland coastal waters could support further development of already farmed shellfish and a number of new species, including finfish.

Group chairman Eric Stephens said the research indicated that the farming of four other species - kingfish, eel, crayfish and scallops - could generate significant new wealth and jobs.

The region was well placed to grow the industry "in excess of $100 million a year and by more than 1000 new jobs".

The development of a marine fish farming industry in Northland with potential earnings of $250 million would require the allocation of less than 75ha of surface water space, he said.

"That can be compared to export receipts generated by the New Zealand wine industry in 2002 of $246 million which required 16,000 hectares of land," Mr Stephens said.

- NZPA