New Zealand cuts red tape on marine farming consents

The aquaculture industry in New Zealand received a significant boost this week with the passing of the Resource Management (Extended Duration of Coastal Permits for Marine Farms) Amendment Bill.

The bill, which has now passed its third reading in Parliament, extends existing coastal permits for the country’s 1,200 marine farms by 20 years, providing a reprieve from costly reconsenting processes. The extension, however, will not allow permits to run beyond 2050.

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, who has been a staunch advocate for reducing regulatory burdens on the sector, hailed the passage of the bill as a victory for the industry, exports, and the wider economy.

“I’m committed to ensuring the growing aquaculture industry is not held back by costly and needless red tape,” Jones stated in a press announcement. “By passing this law today, we’ve given a vital sector the certainty it needs to grow exports and jobs for New Zealanders.”

According to Jones, without this legislative change, the industry would have faced an estimated $6 million in reconsenting costs in 2024 alone for just 200 of the 1,200 marine farms. These funds, Jones argued, can now be redirected toward innovation and sustainability efforts within the sector.

“That money can now be invested by businesses on useful things like identifying new practices and technology to help lift productivity and sustainability in a sector that is going to help drive export growth in the coming years,” Jones added.

New Zealand’s aquaculture industry, particularly its shellfish and salmon farming sectors, holds vast potential for growth, Jones argues. With increasing demand from high-value overseas markets, the sector is well-positioned to become a multibillion-dollar export earner.

Jones emphasized that a strong and diverse aquaculture sector is not only crucial for the economy but also for the resilience of rural and coastal communities that rely heavily on primary industries, including fisheries, for employment.

“A lot of Kiwis in rural areas depend on our primary sector, including fisheries, for work and today we’ve taken action to help protect and grow those jobs,” Jones said. “We have a great reputation overseas for the sustainability of our seafood products, and I know the sector is committed to ensuring that is protected and built on to boost value.”