Aquaculture New Zealand » News

New Zealand Pacific oysters now in season

adam — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:03:45 +0000

International delicacy proudly grown in your back yard Naturally perfect, nurtured to perfection – New Zealand oyster farmers have begun serving up perfectly conditioned Pacific oysters for local seafood lovers. Pacific oyster farmers around the country are starting to harvest this season’s crop after 18 months of meticulous care, according to New Zealand Oyster Industry Association chair Callum McCallum. “Pacific oyster farming in New Zealand is a craft that has been honed over 30 years,” Mr McCallum said. “Farmers have developed the knowledge and techniques to nurture an oyster through its growth cycle to produce a delicacy at its absolute best. “After a long hot summer, the waters are cooling and bringing the oysters into condition and farmers begin their harvest just as they reach perfection. “Harvest is a time of great pride for farmers because they see all of their experience, care and hard work pay off in the form of a plump, succulent oyster nestled within a deeply cupped shell.” However Mr McCallum said recent growing seasons have resulted in a constrained supply across the industry ultimately resulting in a lower number of oysters available. Pacific oysters are predominantly grown in warmer waters around Auckland, Coromandel and Northland. Although oysters take their flavour from the terroir of their local waters and tastes differ from bay to bay, New Zealand Pacific oysters in general are prized in fine dining markets around the world and exported to 24 countries. Rachel Taulelei of premium domestic seafood sourcing company Yellow Brick Road and the extremely popular Oyster Saloon, said now was an exciting time for oyster lovers. “You wait from Christmas, waiting, waiting to see them coming on, and if the first round of oysters are good, you know they are going to get better and better as the waters get even colder,” Rachel said. “The first oysters have been very good so you know it’s going to be an excellent season.” Rachel also said Pacific oysters were in demand from discerning New Zealand chefs. “The New Zealand Pacific is a delicate oyster, packed with a clean briny flavour and carrying a sweet finish. It’s perfect oyster for someone starting in the oyster world. They’re not overwhelming, they’re easy, approachable and ultimately a really enjoyable experience.” For delicious recipe ideas using New Zealand Pacific Oysters visit http://www.nurturedseafood.com/flipbook/oyster/index.htm

Special permits for oyster farmers

adam — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:23:11 +0000

Mike Sabin, MP for Northland is pleased to announce that special permits can now be issued to some oyster farmers whose businesses have been affected by the oyster herpes virus to gather wild (feral) Pacific oysters, which will come as a great relief to the local oyster industry. “I have had a number of meetings with Northland oyster farmers over the past 18 months and have a great deal of empathy for their plight, with this virus devastating their spawning stock and putting the industry on its knees, so this decision will be a real boost for local farmers,“ says Mr Sabin. “Famers raised the question with me of harvesting feral oysters as a potential means for them to remain viable while solutions to the virus were being developed, something I talked over with the Minister and officials. “As it currently stands, oyster farmers are only able to gather feral oysters if they have a commercial fishing permit, something that they explained to me wasn’t a workable fit for their scenario and wasn’t viable given their difficult financial situation. “I am pleased to announce that the Minister for Primary Industries (MPI), Nathan Guy has approved a new special purpose permit under section 97(1)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1996 enabling MPI to issue special permits to oyster farmers to collect feral oysters and transfer them onto their marine farms, for later re-harvest and sale. The decision follows consultation with Maori and other affected stakeholders, Mr Sabin saying the permits will be valid for three years to allow the oyster industry to recover from the impacts of the virus and the permit would still be subject to food safety requirements. “In approving the special permit purpose, Minister Guy acknowledged the unusual and special circumstances of this particular situation, providing a cost effective mechanism for farmers to recover while they try to rebuild their industry. “I am also very glad to see that MPI will waive the special permit application fee, which will further assist oyster farmers through this difficult period, something I also see is in the public interest given the important role this industry plays in Northland’s economy. I am very pleased at this outcome,” Mr Sabin said. As part of the special permit application process, MPI will consult with local iwi on individual applications. Last year the Northland MP also hosted a meeting with local oyster farmers, inviting the previous Minister for Primary industries to look in detail at the problem and was delighted when the Ministry awarded $407,000 for the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) to the Oyster Industry Modernisation Project which was working to develop a selective breeding programme on behalf of the industry. Click here for Special permit information sheet

EPA final decision

adam — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:27:07 +0000

The EPA has released it's final decision, confirming the earlier draft decision to grant New Zealand King Salmon four new sites. In summary, the EPA's Board of Inquiry final report and decision on the New Zealand King Salmon proposal:

Allowed the plan change request and concurrent applications for resource consent for four sites – being Papatua, Ngamahau, Waitata and Richmond. The provisions of the plan change request and conditions of the resource consent applications can be found in the final report and decision;
Declined the plan change request and concurrent applications for resource consent for four sites – being the Kaitapeha, Ruaomoko, Kaitira and Tapipi farms;
Declined the resource consent application for the White Horse Rock farm.

Click here for full EPA report

Good for Marlborough, good for New Zealand

adam — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:20:27 +0000

The EPA Board of Inquiry’s (BOI) final determination will enable New Zealand King Salmon to deliver long-term benefits to the region, the community and the national economy. Aquaculture New Zealand Chairman Peter Vitasovich said the four new salmon farms approved in the decision would create permanent full-time jobs and provide significant downstream benefits for associated industries while generating export earnings through the sustainable production of premium seafood. “Four new working salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds will provide valuable employment opportunities within the community, while also attracting skilled labour to the region, to work across the spectrum of production – from farming to processing to marketing and business roles,” Mr Vitasovich said. “Before a single fish goes in the water at the new sites, New Zealand King Salmon will be investing well over $10-million with local companies to build infrastructure and conduct appropriate scientific base studies. “NZKS already injects $25-million into the community each year through salaries and wages, and on-going maintenance and logistics will also create increased long-term demand on local businesses across a host of industries including engineering firms, science providers, rope makers, net makers, freight companies, water taxis and tourism operators.” Mr Vitasovich said the BOI process proved New Zealand King Salmon can operate in balance with the environment and fellow water users. “This application sparked substantial debate in the local community and provided everyone the opportunity to have a voice and to be heard,” Mr Vitasovich said. “The thorough and transparent process examined all the concerns of environmental advocates including impacts on the seabed, water column, nutrient release, seabirds and sea mammals as well as considering the natural landscape of areas and navigation. “The Inquiry drew on independent scientific evidence and relevant experts and found New Zealand King Salmon can farm the four new sites in balance with the local environment and community. “We understand that the Marlborough Sounds are near and dear to the hearts of the community who work, fish, boat, dive and holiday on the water – and we agree whole heartedly that there needs to be appropriate levels of protection to ensure these activities can continue. “After all, the aquaculture industry depends on pristine waters for its livelihood and the production of safe seafood. “Salmon farmed in the Marlborough Sounds are desired in top-end markets with NZKS winning recognition from international chefs and culinary associations for producing some of the world’s finest salmon. The company has also moved to expand their reputation for quality, with the introduction of the Ora King brand to target high-end food service markets. “New Zealand King Salmon have a strong 25-year track record of responsible environmental management. “The new farms will see them farm a fraction of the Sounds water surface, in carefully chosen sites, under carefully controlled conditions.” “Aquaculture is good for Marlborough. The aquaculture industry and New Zealand King Salmon will continue to work hard to ensure it is an asset the community can be proud of.”

AFL hatchery

adam — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:14:49 +0000

Iwi owned seafood company Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd this week signed an agreement with Cawthron Institute in respect to their Pacific oyster hatchery and oyster nursery based at Glenduan, north of Nelson. Under the agreement Aotearoa Fisheries will take over the Pacific oyster Nursery and Spat growing operations. Three of Cawthron Institute’s staff involved in the Nursery and growing operations will be seconded to Aotearoa Fisheries. Cawthron Institute will continue to spawn and produce Pacific oyster larvae at the site. Aotearoa Fisheries is one of New Zealand’s largest fishing and seafood businesses and is the largest Pacific oyster company in New Zealand, trading as Kia Ora Seafoods and Pacific Marine Farms. This deal follows on from Aotearoa Fisheries acquisition of Sanford NZ Limited’s North Island Pacific oyster farms last year. Aotearoa Fisheries General Manager of Aquaculture, Don Collier says the deal cements a long term relationship with the Cawthron Institute and made sense from two perspectives. “First and foremost, our oyster business’ growth plans have been based on making available to our customers Pacific oysters of the highest quality. "The oysters are bred from wild parents who have been selected for traits that enhance the “plate appeal” and demand for our oysters, much as New Zealand’s agricultural and horticultural sectors have been doing for many years in their research programmes. "This agreement will enable us to meet expected growth in demand, and provides the incentive to invest in expanding capacity at the Nelson site. "New capital investment at the site has already begun. "Secondly, the problems being faced by the Pacific oyster industry since 2010, in the wake of the OSHV-1 oyster virus have illustrated how vulnerable it is to be totally reliant on a natural wild catch. By applying sound science and research, coupled with flexible marine farming husbandry we get the opportunity to manage our destiny when nature throws up curve balls.” The current research programme into developing virus resilient family lines is progressing, although it is still very much work in progress. Collier says credit needs to be given to Cawthron Institute, who have engaged with ourselves and others in the industry in oyster breeding programmes for at least 10 years and had the foresight to invest in an oyster hatchery and nursery. “We can now build on that investment. We will still be reliant on their expertise, however the line where decisions are made in respect to growing oyster spat to market size has moved closer to commercial operators. This agreement enables Cawthron Institute to give more focus to its core purpose being advanced research, for which it is internationally recognised.” Collier goes on to say that arrangements are also nearly finalised with New Zealand’ s second largest hatchery bred oyster farmer , Te Matuku Bay Oysters based on Waiheke Island, which enables them to be part of this arrangement. Te Matuku Bay are also one of the early pioneers in single seed hatchery bred oysters. Te Matuku Bay manager Nat Upchurch says “We are delighted to be part of this relationship. In the aftermath of the oyster virus we are determined to restore confidence in supply for customers.” Collier finished by saying that as part of the agreement with Cawthron Institute, offers of supply of nursery grown oyster spat will be made by Aotearoa Fisheries to current customers of Cawthron Institute, and also that purchases of very small oyster spat and oyster larvae directly from Cawthron Institute will still be an option available to other oyster industry participants.

Antifouling paint reassessment submissions

adam — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 07:34:38 +0000

The submission period is now open for the public to have their say in a review of paints used to protect boats from the unwanted build-up of aquatic plants and animals. Antifouling paints are used to reduce the build-up of microorganisms, plants and algae (known as biofouling) on surfaces submerged in water, such as the hulls of vessels. Antifouling paints provide a number of benefits to New Zealand’s marine industry and biosecurity. But they can also have negative effects on the health of marine life and of the people that use them. Our review includes a number of recommendations to manage these negative effects, including proposals that will mean some antifouling paints will no longer be available for use. A final decision on the reassessment will be made by an expert decision-making committee. It will consider the application, public submissions and any other information it receives as part of the reassessment process, including during a public hearing which is likely to be held in mid-April. The public submission period is open until Thursday 7 March 2013 and a decision is expected by the end of May 2013. The EPA will also be receiving advice on the suitability of the current hazard classifications of the antifouling paints being reassessed. This advice, which may affect the outcome of the EPA's reassessment, is due to be completed and made publicly available by the end of February 2013. Click here for more information

AQNZ Commodity Levy information booklet

adam — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:38:28 +0000

An information booklet explaining the the Aquaculture New Zealand Commodity Levy Order is now available for download. Click here to download the Aquaculture New Zealand Commodity Levy Information Booklet For levy enquiries, please contact Aquaculture New Zealand CEO Gary Hooper For voting enquiries, please contact the Returning Officer: Warwick Lampp, electionz.com Ltd, PO Box 3138, Christchurch 8140.

Vote on-line

Click here to Vote On-line https://ivote.electionz.com/Elections/aquaclv Enter the PIN and Password as per your voting instructions

A sustainable growth story

adam — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 04:29:36 +0000

Naturally perfect, nurtured to perfection. New Zealand's aquaculture industry has a great story to tell. The story of a highly skilled and progressive industry, employing more than 3000 Kiwis and sustainably producing the world's best seafood. To help tell the story about the tremendous opportunity our industry offers New Zealand, we have created the 'A sustainable growth story' resource. With out pristine waters producing premium products, nutritious and delicious, we provide the world a unique taste of New Zealand. They're good for you, and good for the environment. Our craft is a highly efficient form of food production, practised in shared, local coastal waters to the world's highest environmental standards. Proudly grown in your back yard but in demand in 79 countries. Aquaculture is good for communities, good for the economy and good for New Zealand. It's a story worth spreading. Click here to download the A sustainable growth story

Farmed New Zealand shellfish 100 per cent safe

adam — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 03:06:36 +0000

Farmed New Zealand Greenshell Mussels and Pacific Oysters on sale at local supermarkets and seafood retailers are delicious, nutritious and 100 per cent safe to eat. Aquaculture New Zealand chairman Peter Vitasovich has assured New Zealanders they can enjoy locally farmed shellfish these holidays with absolute confidence. “New Zealand marine farmers operate one of the world’s strictest seafood quality assurance programmes, meeting the standards set by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Union,” Mr Vitasovich said. “Both the shellfish, and the water in which they are grown are rigorously tested before harvesting takes place. “Fresh, sustainable, delicious, nutritious - Greenshell Mussels and Pacific Oysters are the taste of summer, proudly grown in your back yard. “New Zealanders can enjoy farmed mussels and oysters knowing they are eating the safest shellfish in the world.”

Counting down to Christmas

adam — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 03:02:04 +0000

‘Tis the month before Christmas, and all through the season, Kiwis are loving locally farmed seafood, and for good reason….. Aquaculture New Zealand is counting down to Christmas with a nurtured seafood advent calendar. Each day in December leading up to the 25th, we will feature a different recipe starring premium New Zealand aquaculture products – Greenshell Mussels, New Zealand Salmon and Pacific Oysters. “This is the taste of summer,” said Aquaculture New Zealand CEO Gary Hooper. “Light, fresh, healthy and perfect for sharing with friends and family. “Grown in your backyard, our mussels, salmon and oysters are quality Kiwi favourites – and with a little culinary inspiration they can be the star of your barbecue or dinner party.” The nurtured seafood advent calendar will feature on the home page of www.aquaculture.org.nz. The recipes have been created by quality chefs to help turn old favourites into new sensations and showcase the versatility of New Zealand aquaculture products. “Naturally perfect and nurtured to perfection - this is the world’s best seafood,” said Gary. “A host of nutritional benefits also make them a healthy option during this time of indulgence. “Nutritious and delicious – these are foods you love, and foods that love you back.”