NZ King Salmon response to farm relocation recommendation

NZ King Salmon response to farm relocation recommendation.

‘This is about building a sustainable food future for New Zealand – both environmentally and economically’: MPI salmon farm relocation proposal enters next phase.

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ proposal to relocate up to six salmon farms to deeper locations with better water flow (‘high-flow sites’) in the Marlborough Sounds is set to advance to the next stage with today’s release of the Marlborough Salmon Farm Relocation Advisory Panel recommendations for Government to consider.

Grant Rosewarne, CEO of top of the South-based company New Zealand King Salmon (NZKS), says he is delighted that the report supports the growing recognition that aquaculture plays a key role in sustainably feeding our planet.

“Salmon is rightly considered the most sustainable of farmed animal proteins for its minimal space utilisation, feed efficiency, low carbon footprint, and its ability to work harmoniously with the natural nitrogen cycle. Add in the benefits of high yield, an abundance of healthy Omega 3’s, traceability and a great tasting product, and it’s easy to see that this recognition is justified.”

“We firmly believe we are contributing to a sustainable food future for New Zealand with our vision for best-practice salmon farming.”

“The fact that the Panel has recommended three of the six sites under consideration be relocated upholds the scientific rationale that higher flow sites are most suitable, and that our existing low-flow salmon farms can and should be relocated.” Rosewarne commented.

“Specifically, the panel acknowledged the ‘distinct environmental advantages’ for benthic (sea bed) health as a result of relocation, alongside ’minor or less than minor’ effects on the local King shag species and the wider water column.

“We can see that a positive decision by the government would contribute to even better environmental, social and economic outcomes for our region without increasing the space we occupy. This proposal aligns very well with our new government’s vision for swimmable waters, green jobs and strong regional development.”

A thorough review of the recommendations and rationale behind the report is already underway. “We need to look at the practical considerations around the relocations, and address the various cultural, landscape and navigation concerns raised more broadly in the report.”

“We hope to work with Government, Council and the community to progress this proposal in as positive a direction as possible. We are committed to not only improving on our sustainability credentials but also on our value to our regional and rural communities as progressive employers”.

If all nine hectares were relocated, about the size of a land-based hobby farm, it is estimated that up to 407 direct and indirect jobs would be created for the company and regional New Zealand once new sites were fully commissioned, Rosewarne says.

“We’re not standing still in our innovative approaches. High-flow farms are just the first step in the vision to seek the best quality growing environment. The panel highlighted offshore farming as a future option, and NZKS is keen to explore this as part of our long term business model.”

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