AQUACULTURE STRATEGY 2018

Wide acceptance of aquaculture as a valid and sustainable use of the marine environment is crucial to the sector’s success. Because of this there is an interest in supporting a strong social licence for aquaculture to operate in a sustainable manner across all RAO activities.

OUR COAST. OUR WATERS. OUR FUTURE.VISION The Bay of Plenty is a world-class aquaculture regionGOAL To grow an integrated and sustainable aquaculture industry in the Bay of Plenty

with export sales of $250 million by 2025

AQUACULTURE STRATEGY

OVERVIEWThe Bay of Plenty Aquaculture Strategy, launched in 2009, was the first Bay of Connections sector strategy to be developed, and was also a New Zealand first. The Regional Aquaculture Organisation (RAO) was established the same year to oversee the actions. This is the third update of the strategy.

Internationally, aquaculture is the fastest growing seafood sector, with global demand increasing. Wild fisheries are at, or beyond, sustainable catch levels, and land areas for food production are under increasing pressure. New Zealand has a clear advantage – we have the fourth largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or

coastal area in the world, at four million square kilometres.

With many of the 2016 aquaculture strategy goals now achieved, it’s time for an update. This review reflects the progress made with the strategy, sets new targets, and further develops key focus areas

We recognise that wide acceptance of aquaculture as a valid and sustainable use of the marine environment is crucial to the sector’s success. Because of this, there is an interest in supporting a strong social licence for aquaculture to operate in a sustainable manner, across all RAO activities.

WHY AQUACULTURE?Wild fisheries are at or beyond sustainable catch levels, and land areas to grow food are under increasing pressure. At a regional level,

44% of the Bay of Connections’ area is coastal, presenting a real opportunity for our economy.

Research has found that the Bay of Plenty’s waters are among the most productive in New Zealand. We already have a cornerstone marine farm in development, with a 3,800ha site offshore from Ōpōtiki. This site is being used for commercial mussel farming and spat catching. Trials in the region have included farming geoduck, flat oysters, sea cucumber, as well as investigations into freshwater species such as trout and eels. Research is also underway looking at diversifying aquaculture targets, with marine algal species that could be grown in association with other species thereby maximising use of lease space. Potential products include biomaterials and agrichemicals/agricultural amenities.

Importantly, the region has communities that support aquaculture. We are also home to the Port of Tauranga.

Aquaculture is an exciting and emerging industry, and we have a real opportunity for growing, processing and selling high quality seafood products to the rest of New Zealand and the world.

With advocacy and assistance from the Regional Aquaculture Organisation, a strong and prosperous aquaculture industry in this region will be a reality.

The aquaculture opportunities in the Bay of Connections region are exciting and varied - from offshore farming to land-based freshwater culture, and from processing to marketing. It helps that our science, technology and training capabilities for the sector are world class. The RAO is willing to show strong leadership in Aquaculture as it develops, and we are keen to advocate for new opportunities as they arise.

HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS• Completion of reports that scope potential offshore aquaculture

expansion in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, such as ‘Options for Additional Aquaculture Areas in the Eastern Bay of Plenty’ an Aquaculture Direct 2017 report for Ōpōtiki Harbour Transformation Project

• Identification of up to 16,000ha of potential new water space for aquaculture development in the Eastern Bay of Plenty in the Cawthron 2017 report ‘Potential Aquaculture Expansion in the Eastern Bay of Plenty – a high-level scoping study of environmental issues’

• Completion of reports assessing opportunities for innovation, new open ocean shellfish and seaweeds in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, including ‘Extending Open Ocean Aquaculture in the Eastern Bay of Plenty – an opportunity assessment’ by Batstone 2017 and ‘Algal Aquaculture for the Eastern Bay of Plenty: Scoping economic opportunities for macro algae aquaculture in the Eastern and Broader Bay of Plenty, New Zealand’ by Whio Innovations 2017

• Marine Biotechnology Convention ‘Blue2Green’ – opportunities for aquaculture completed

• Aquaculture biosecurity workshop in partnership with Waikato University, Ministry for Primary Industries, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council

• Completion of a marine algal biodiversity inventory in support of diversification of aquaculture industry in the Bay of Plenty – University of Waikato in conjunction with Bay of Connections/Ōpōtiki District Council.

• Successful acquisition of over $9m investment in marine algal biotechnologies from Tertiaries Education Commission and University of Waikato (Entrepreneurial Universities Fund) to support development of a diversified marine based bio-industry

• Establishment of long line mussel farming business off Ōpōtiki that will potentially contribute $41-55 million (16-22%) to the export sales target set by the region and involves industry leaders and strong local community support

• A range of aquaculture and marine science courses established with collaboration between Waikato University and Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

• Geoduck, sea cucumber, and flat oyster trials in the Bay of Plenty area

• Completion of six RAO meetings per year• MBIE funding of $6m over five years, in collaboration with

Cawthron, for open ocean shellfish research – includes Whakatōhea Mussels Ōpōtiki

• 12 month research project funded through TPK to investigate trout farming for a CNI iwi

FIVE FOCUS AREAS FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS1. Continue as an enabling and supportive advocate for

aquaculture, and provide leadership through collaboration and communication with all stakeholders (including Government, iwi, Industry and other regions).

2. Continue support for the Ōpōtiki Harbour development project.3. Encourage infrastructure development for Marine and

Aquaculture industries, including the proposed expansion of the

Coastal Marine Field Station at Sulphur Point.4. Explore and promote opportunities in Aquaculture, including

the commercialisation of trout farming, and other species.5. Promote and advocate for Marine Science, Technology,

Education and Training, for the future growth of the Aquaculture industry.

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1. REGIONAL AQUACULTURE ORGANISATION LEADERSHIP – Continue as an enabling and supportive advocate for aquaculture and provide leadership through collaboration and communication with all key stakeholders including Government, iwi, industry and other regions.

WHAT WHEN WHO

1

Advocate for aquaculture legislation and regulations that are enablingand supportive, including: • NES• Infrastructure development• New species targets (macroalgae)

ongoing

RAO, new stakeholders for emergent ventures, Ministry for Primary Industry (MPI), Opotiki District Council (ODC), BOPRC

2 Advocate for the protection of aquatic resources that have the potential for aquaculture ongoing RAO, Iwi, regional environmental

stakeholders, public

3 Advocate for enabling and supportive district and regional plans ongoingRAO,ODC, BOPRC, current and emergent aquaculture stakeholders/investors

4 Share intelligence on opportunities and issues to ensure links are made across relevant projects and respective aquaculture interests at a regional and national level ongoing RAO members, extended national

and international partners

5 Maintain list of stakeholders with interests and commitments to aquaculture in the region ongoing BOPRC

6 Secure funding and non-funding support from external agencies for key projects ongoing RAO

7 Collaborate with:• Regions • Government • Industry • Science ongoing RAO, BOPRC, district

councils, industry

8 Establish a communication and public relations programme for aquaculture ongoing RAO, and as becomes relevant with various initiatives

9 Support pathways for Māori involvement in commercial aquaculture ongoing RAO, ODC,Te Ohu Kaimoana, Iwi

2. ŌPŌTIKI HARBOUR – Continue to support Ōpōtiki Harbour Development

WHAT WHEN WHO

10 Continue to promote the development of suitable all weather port and onshore support/processing facilities at Ōpōtiki 2018+ RAO and extended partners

11 Examine additional socio-economic opportunity for the short, medium and long term 2018+

RAO and extended partners with ODC/BOPRC/Regional Central Govt agencies

12 Advocate for the development of a biosecurity management plan 2018+ RAO

AQUACULTURE STRATEGY

3. Infrastructure – Encourage infrastructure development for Marine and Aquaculture industries, including the proposal for expansion of the Coastal Marine Field Station at Sulphur Point

WHAT WHEN WHO

13

Support the University of Waikato’s plans to expand the Coastal Marine Field Station and create an interdisciplinary research and teaching facility hosting multi-disciplinary science, marine, engineering, environmental and social impact, and technological support. The expanded research centre would be distinctive to New Zealand, creating the capacity to attract and host national and international collaborations and research programmes which provide opportunities and solutions to key issues for the Bay of Plenty coastal and marine environments.Link innovation agencies across sectors to enhance development of new marine based bioindustries ( such as EU, Plantech, Newhnam Park).

2018+University of Waikato, RAO with regional economic development entities

14

Work with other marine aquaculture industries to identify complementary infrastructure needs and synergies. Encourage territorial authorities to ensure long term infrastructure needs for aquaculture are provided for in long term plans and servicing infrastructure is well managed through asset management plans.

ongoing RAO

4. Opportunities in Aquaculture – Explore and promote opportunities in Aquaculture, including commercialisation of Trout farming, and other species.

WHAT WHEN WHO

15 Provide guidance for new investors in marine aquaculture and ancillary industries in Eastern Bay of Plenty, including land based opportunities. ongoing RAO with extended science

and economic partners

16 Promote expansion of available space for marine farming in Eastern Bay and elsewhere, and support for development of a marine spatial plan for the Bay of Plenty. ongoing RAO supporting BOPRC.

17Support commercialisation of trout and other new species. Specifically:• Assist Trout NZ • Advocate and promote the opportunities • Source research funding • Investigate opportunities for macroalgae

ongoing Trout NZ, industry

5. Promote and advocate for Marine Science, Technology development, Education and Training for the future growth of the aquaculture industry

WHAT WHEN WHO

18 Investigate bio-opportunities in the Bay of Plenty. eg. biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals. ongoing RAO, University of Waikato

19Support initiatives in marine science to develop New Zealand’s leading marine science including sharing links with overseas centres of excellence and supporting local conferences.

ongoing

RAO, University of Waikato,Coastal Marine Research Centre, industry, BOPRC, Cawthron Centre, Plant & Food

20

Continue to assess education and training requests or needs to deliver a skilled workforce to satisfy the needs of the regional industry.Provide an information base for education and training opportunities in the Bay of Plenty/Waikato region.

ongoingRAO, University of Waikato,Coastal Marine Research Centre,Toi Ohomai, industry

21 Support iwi and industry development of specific plans for education and training. ongoing RAO, Iwi, TEC EU.

22Promote research, development and commercialisation opportunities in the region, including projects to accelerate high value opportunities related to aquaculture and marine bio-technologies (marine centre and University of Waikato).

ongoing University of Waikato and Marine Centre, EU, Cawthron

23 Promote knowledge (workshops, conferences), training (polytechs) and education (secondary schools) opportunities for marine farming in the region. ongoing

University of Waikato, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Awanuiarangi, TEC.

AQUACULTURE STRATEGY

AQUACULTURE DIRECT LIMITED (CHAIR)

AQUACULTURE NEW ZEALAND LIMITED

BAY OF CONNECTIONS

BAY OF PLENTY REGIONAL COUNCIL

CAWTHRON INSTITUTE

COASTAL RESEARCH CENTRE CHAIR

DESTINATION ROTORUA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

DISCOVERY MARINE LIMITED

EASTERN SEAFARMS LIMITED

ENTERPRISE GREAT LAKE TAUPO

MINISTRY OF BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND EMPLOYMENT

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, WORK AND INCOME

MINISTRY FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

NIWA

NEW ZEALAND TRADE & ENTERPRISE

NORTH ISLAND MUSSELS LTD

OPOTIKI DISTRICT COUNCIL

PRIORITY ONE

SANFORD LTD

TAUPO DISTRICT COUNCIL

TE OHU KAIMOANA

TOI-EDA

TOI OHOMAI

TROUT NEW ZEALAND

UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO

WAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL

WHAKATOHEA MAORI TRUST BOARD

WHAKATŌHEA MUSSELS (ŌPŌTIKI) LTD

MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL AQUACULTURE ORGANISATION

WHAT IS THE BAY OF CONNECTIONS?Bay of Connections is a regional growth framework covering Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo. It is simple and aspirational.

It’s about having a prosperous region driven by sustainable sectors. And it’s about encouraging collaboration between key groups across the region, improving well-being, and encouraging innovation and leadership.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE BAY OF CONNECTIONS?Bay of Connections is led by a Governance Group of eleven members – three from business, four from the economic development agencies, two Māori business representatives, one from local

government, and one from central government. Each sector strategy has a dedicated Action Group. In the case of Aquaculture it is the Regional Aquaculture Organisation.

WHY IS IT WORKING?Bay of Connections provides a simple framework for the region to work together. It is only by working together that the region has the scale to be nationally and internationally significant. The success of the Bay of Connections is simple: it is industry-led, it has a strong

commercial focus, it promotes sustainable venture hence garnering a social license to operate, we are focused on action, and collaboration and connections are at the heart of what we do. It connects business leaders and investors, and smooths and removes roadblocks with local and central government.

BAY OF CONNECTIONS ACKNOWLEDGES CAWTHRON INSTITUTE AND WHAKATŌHEA MUSSELS FOR CONTRIBUTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS

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