New Zealand to have new law for aquaculture this year

Odd Grydeland New Zealand has made no two bones about its intention to move forward with aquaculture development in a serious way. Unlike the Canadian government which is trying to regulate the industry under some existing laws that were set up for the wild fishery, and recognizing the opportunities, the New Zealand government- along with the native Maori population has decided that seafood production is important, and that aquaculture is an essential part of the future seafood business, as explained in this article in The National Business review;The Government is on track to introduce new aquaculture legislation by mid-year, Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley says. "The complexity, cost and uncertainty of the current regime, together with poor incentives for development, have been impeding aquaculture growth," he said today. "I am confident we will get a regime in place that enables this crucial industry to achieve its goal of becoming a $1 billion (~€ 0.5 billion) contributor to the New Zealand economy, while always protecting the environment and recreational opportunities."The Government set up an advisory group on aquaculture last year, chaired by former cabinet minister Sir Doug Kidd. It delivered its report to the Government in November and submissions on it closed on December 16. Mr Heatley said 223 submissions were received, 80 of which were from the recreational sector. Other well-represented stakeholders were the aquaculture industry, environmental interests, customary fishers, commercial interests and local government.Meetings were held around the country and Mr Heatley said the main issues raised included the role of government in allowing for marine farming, the aquaculture levy proposed by the advisory group and resource consent renewals. "All submissions will be seriously considered," Mr Heatley said. "The next step in the process is cabinet consideration of proposals, followed by the drafting of a bill which will be referred to a select committee." He expects the bill will be introduced to Parliament in the middle of the year.