Aquaculture is the raising of plants or animals in water. It can occur in coastal waters, rivers, lakes and even on land – in constructed pools or tanks.
For marine-based aquaculture, the Ministry of Fisheries' responsibilities include providing information, advice and formal assessments to regional councils on fisheries matters for coastal plans and Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs). We are responsible for deciding whether a permit application (under the old aquaculture legislation) will have an undue adverse effect on fishing or fisheries resources. Under the current legislation, MFish is responsible for deciding whether a proposed AMA will have an undue adverse effect on fishing. In cases where only commercial fishing interests are unduly affected by an application, we work with these interests and marine farmers to find appropriate solutions.
MFish is also the lead Crown agency responsible for implementing the Maori Aquaculture Settlement.
All persons carrying out the activity of fish farming must be registered under the Fisheries Act 1996. FishServe, on behalf of MFish, maintains the Fish Farmer Register.
MFish also manages land-based farming under the provisions of the Freshwater Fish Farming Regulations 1983.
Current state of play
Aquaculture Forum update
The Aquaculture Forum, which is co-chaired by the chief executive of the Ministry of Fisheries and the chair of Aquaculture New Zealand, commissioned an independent report into possible improvements in the aquaculture law. In April 2009 the final report was delivered to the Forum and is currently being considered. Policy development on the review of the aquaculture law is continuing. Learn more in our Government initiatives section.
Maori Aquaculture Settlement consultation
The Minister has prepared a plan that assesses and describes how the Crown intends to fulfil its pre-commencement space obligations by 2014. Due to the good progress of the early settlement in the South Island and Coromandel, the consultation on the Minister’s Plan has been extended indefinitely until the Minister provides a 60-day notice that consultation will close. The closing period is likely to occur sometime in 2009. Where the Ministry receives submissions on the plan, these submissions will inform the settlement process for the relevant regions.
The New Zealand government has developed an aquaculture website that is managed by MFish. The site includes information on the environmental effects of aquaculture, regional planning, Māori development, industry development and farmed species. The site may be viewed at www.aquaculture.govt.nz.
A quick guide to establishing and operating a marine farm in New Zealand: The New Zealand government has developed a guide to help marine farmers know where to go for information regarding the setting up and operating of a marine farm. The guide can be viewed as a download or in html.
Enquiries about marine-based aquaculture should be directed to Christine Bowden – telephone (03) 548 1069, or email info@fish.govt.nz.
Enquires about the Fish Farmer register should be directed to FishServe at www.fishserve.co.nz or (04) 460 9555.
Enquiries about the Maori Aquaculture Settlement should be directed to Nicholas Manukau –telephone (09) 820 1990 or email info@fish.govt.nz.
Enquiries about land-based fish farming you should be directed to Steve Pullan – telephone (09) 820 7691 or email info@fish.govt.nz.