Niwa backs marine moratorium

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research has thrown its weight behind the Government's controversial marine farming moratorium.

But Niwa says authorities will have to move quickly if they are to get systems in place for an expected boom in aquaculture development.

The two-year moratorium, which dates retrospectively to November, has been brought in to halt a speculative rush of applications before legislation is revamped to control the burgeoning industry.

The institute's deputy chief executive for strategic development, Dr Rick Pridmore, says the moratorium will provide a breathing space to develop necessary expertise.

The institute has set up the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre to coordinate aquaculture and fisheries planning, development and research.

"We believe that such expertise would greatly help regional authorities," Dr Pridmore said.

The approach would help aquaculture develop to meet the demand for seafood, and allow for the benefits of regional and national investment and employment.

Aquaculture is New Zealand's fastest-growing seafood industry, with potential to earn an estimated $1 billion in export revenue by 2020.

World demand for seafood is increasing, but wild fisheries cannot meet the demand. In 25 years, half the world's seafood production is expected to be farmed.

Farmed fish and shellfish make up about 15 per cent of New Zealand's seafood exports.

Since the moratorium announcement, fish farmers have been pleading for an exemption for applications already in the pipeline. However, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said there had to be a cut-off point.

The moratorium would allow local authorities time to upgrade coastal plans, she said.

- NZPA