Media Release

5 November 2009

For Immediate Release

From the 2009 Cawthron New Zealand Aquaculture Conference, Nelson

Today’s release of the TAG report by the Minister of Fisheries Phil Heatley is a major step towards the creation of a legislative environment that recognises the economic value the aquaculture sector can bring to New Zealand.

“The support from the Minister and his colleagues for the breadth of change recommended in the report is refreshing as it will unlock the potential within the aquaculture sector,” said Aquaculture New Zealand Chairman Peter Vitasovich.

“Since 2004 the aquaculture sector has battled to grow and develop within prohibitive legislation and regulations that have stifled investment and real regional economic growth opportunities.”

The aspirations of the sector revolve around gaining some regulatory certainty to enable decision-making and investment and the ability to diversify to meet the demands of a growing international marketplace.

“If the recommendations of the report are adopted in the development of the legislation Aquaculture New Zealand believes the sector will finally have the opportunity to return the potential we all know it has.

“As the new legislation develops over the next few months we will be working with interested parties inside and outside the sector to build a greater understanding of aquaculture. This is a sector that is truly environmentally sustainable as well as being an economic stimulus to regions many other industries have had to move from.

“We understand the value New Zealanders place on their coastline and we understand the responsibility that comes with access.

“The release of the report is a step along a long path. There is some way to go before we have enabling legislation that will facilitate growth and development. It is a path we wish to go down with the full support of the communities the aquaculture sector has a relationship with”, concluded Mr Vitasovich.

ENDS

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