The New Zealand King Salmon industry is committed to producing quality salmon in a well-managed and environmentally sustainable manner.

New Zealand King Salmon farmers follow best practices developed by the industry to meet the growing global demand for safe, healthy seafood products.

The New Zealand Finfish Aquaculture Environmental Code of Practice (2007) directs best industry practices throughout the hatchery, growing and harvesting cycle to minimise potential effects on the environment.

To mitigate environmental impacts the New Zealand government has a number of environmental controls in place, including the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Fisheries Act 1996.

The planning and approval process for coastal aquaculture in New Zealand considers the farm’s potential environmental effects, as well as its possible cultural and social effects.

These processes are run by regional councils under the Resource Management Act (RMA). This is the principal New Zealand law governing coastal management and the growth and management of coastal uses, including aquaculture.

Regional councils will set conditions around farm operations and will monitor farms to ensure compliance.

Farms undergo intensive on-going environmental monitoring to ensure the farms’ practices do not cause permanent and irreversible changes to the water quality or natural marine ecosystem.

A pristine marine environment with adequate water flows and water depth in a sheltered location is essential for commercially viable and sustainable fish farming.

In New Zealand, the majority of salmon farms are located in deep waters and have good tidal movement to help minimise any impact on the environment.

Fish feed is also monitored closely by under water cameras to ensure that only the required amount is distributed and no excess feed falls to the seabed.