info@oceanbeach.co.nz
AQUACULTURE
AQUACULTURE AT OCEAN BEACH
AQUACULTURE AT OCEAN BEACH
whatour
THE IMPORTANCE OF AQUACULTURE
A high global demand for seafood, in combination with dwindling seafood supplies from the wild, has made aquaculture an important and necessary industry. Aquaculture allows for the sustainable harvesting of seafood to support growing human populations. Fish and other aquatic species provide a healthy, protein-rich food source, with multiple health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition to food production, aquaculture can restore threatened aquatic species populations and enhance wild stocks, contributing to a sustainable future.
New Zealand has an international reputation for top quality seafood and aquaculture is a key primary industry here, generating impressive revenue and employing thousands of Kiwis. Aquaculture continues to grow in New Zealand, with its pristine waters and strong environmental stewardship; there is substantial scope for providing the best quality aquaculture products in a sustainable manner.
With the world’s population predicted to increase to 9 billion people by 2050 — particularly in areas that have high rates of food insecurity — aquaculture, if responsibly developed and practiced, can make a significant contribution to global food security and economic growth"
— Árni M. Mathiesen,
Assistant Director-General
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
AQUACULTURE AT OCEAN BEACH
Aquaculture in Southland is mainly mussel and salmon farming conducted in Big Glory Bay, Stewart Island. Due to environmental constraints around farming within the Marine environment land based Aquaculture is becoming more important. Ocean Beach is the only onshore Aquaculture site in Southland.
Clear water is prerequisite for aquaculture. The Foveaux Strait in South Island boasts one of the cleanest and most pristine waters in New Zealand. Ocean Beach has acquired a fish farming license and coastal permits in place to extract large quantities of seawater from the cold clean waters of the Foveaux Strait for use in aquaculture production. Coastal permits are also in place to extract saltwater from the Bluff Harbour, which is suitable for shellfish and seaweed farming.
Ocean Beach has The New Zealand Abalone Company’s (TNZAC) abalone farm operating onsite.