Aquaculture advocacy group encouraged by Anderton visit

30 May, 2003

ENTERPRISE NORTHLAND AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT GROUP : MEDIA RELEASES 2003

The chairman of the Enterprise Northland Aquaculture Development Group , Dr Eric Stephens , believes the government will have a better understanding about the benefits of aquaculture development as a result of economic development minister Jim Anderton's recent visit to Northland.

Mr Anderton visited the NIWA Bream Bay Aquaculture Park , and was briefed by the Enterprise Northland Aquaculture Development Group , last Friday (Subs: 30 May).

"Mr Anderton showed considerable interest in NIWA's Bream Bay research and development facility, and in recent research into how aquaculture development can benefit Northlanders," Dr Stephens says.

"Coming at a time when the aquaculture industry is grappling with difficult legislative reforms, the minister's interest was particularly welcome."

"Industry New Zealand has been very supportive of Enterprise Northland's efforts to promote aquaculture development. However, because the aquaculture industry does not have a dedicated minister, there is a potential vacuum in terms of high level political advocacy."

"The Aquaculture Management Area legislation needs to take account of all aspects of the aquaculture industry, and Mr Anderton's pro-economic development perspective could be critically important in ensuring the legislation is balanced."

Dr Stephens says Mr Anderton has opened the door to a number of specific opportunities which the Enterprise Northland Aquaculture Development Group will now pursue.

Recently released research commissioned by the Enterprise Northland Aquaculture Development Group found that Northland could grow its income from aquaculture from its current base of $20 million per annum to $100 million a year, providing there was an appropriate regulatory system.

For further information
Dr Eric Stephens
Chairman
Enterprise Northland Aquaculture Development Group
09 405 9776