This is part of the New Zealand government’s long-term strategy to grow its aquaculture industry to reach NZ$3bn ($1.75bn) in annual revenue by 2035.
“Developing the aquaculture sector is one of New Zealand’s biggest opportunities,” said Shane Jones, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries.
“The industry produces premium seafood, creates jobs in the regions, and generates over $750 million in revenue each year. But we know it can be much more than that.”
A large share of this ambitious target hinges on open ocean aquaculture, which the Ministry for Primary Industries believes can contribute up to NZ$1.4bn ($817m) in annual revenue by 2035.
These details were published in the Ministry for Primary Industries’ New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan 2025-2030.
The report highlighted open ocean farming as a “a frontier for growth”.
The remote, deep-water areas offer an opportunity to expand the aquaculture industry without competing for space among the coastal zones.
Currently, only 0.1% of the country’s coast waters are used for aquaculture purposes.
Growing salmon, mussel exports
Salmon and mussels are among the country’s top aquaculture exports.
From October 2023 to September 2024, the country exported NZ$257.3m ($150.3m) worth of frozen half-shell mussels and NZ$129.5m ($75.6m) chill gilled and gutted salmon.
In 2023, 93,000 tonnes of Greenshell mussels and 14,500 tonnes of King salmon were harvested.
New Zealand produces 75% of the world’s King salmon and is the only supplier of the trademarked Greenshell mussels.
By 2035, the government aims to have consents to farm at least 75,000 tonnes of open ocean salmon, which would bring in NZ$1.2bn ($701.1m) of revenue.
Additionally, it looks to get consent to farm at least 25,000 tonnes of open ocean mussels to bring in another NZ$200m ($116.9m) in revenue.
To achieve these goals, the government said it will support the industry by de-risking open ocean farming through regulatory reform, investment attraction, workforce support, and industry collaboration.
Overall, the growth of open ocean aquaculture could create up to 1,000 more jobs in New Zealand.
One of the strengths of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry are the Māori, the report highlighted and would be key in driving its future.
“Māori are active participants in the aquaculture industry and are driving growth, particularly in the open ocean.”
At the same time, the report underscored the need to observe “stringent environmental standards that promote long-term sustainability” as the country extends farming into the open ocean.
To protect the marine environment and the industry, it said it would establish “appropriate biosecurity requirements” for open ocean farming.
Laying the groundwork
In 2023, New Zealand’s aquaculture industry generated NZ$763m ($445.7m) in total revenue.
To realise its 2035 goals, the government will rely on more than just developing open ocean aquaculture.
Plans are in place to maximise the value of existing farm space in an environmentally responsible manner.
The government also aims to support the Māori-led growth in aquaculture and enable them to explore new opportunities in aquaculture.
Lastly, the government plans to grow the aquaculture sector by identifying new opportunities beyond salmon, mussels, and oysters.
These may include new species of farmed shellfish and finfish, and seaweed farming.
Additionally, it will encourage the adoption of new technologies to unlock further growth.
By identifying and implementing the best new opportunities could contribute up to NZ$200m ($116.9m) in annual revenue by 2035.
