No images? Click here Trout farming decision major setback for Māori A Cabinet decision meaning that Government will not review legislation preventing the commercialisation of trout is a major setback for the potential growth of the Bay of Plenty aquaculture sector – and the development of the local Māori economy as a result. The Primary Production Committee had recommended Government give “serious consideration to commercialising trout farming” following a petition for the review of the legislation in 2018. However, Cabinet decided earlier in February that a review of the legislation is not a current priority for the Government and that economic and employment gains could be achieved through its existing Aquaculture Strategy – which does not consider trout farming. Ngā Iwi I te Rohe o Te Waiariki (BOP Iwi Aquaculture Project) Lead and Te Arawa Fisheries CEO, Chris Karamea Insley says the decision not to review the current legalisation is both disappointing and frustrating. “The commercialisation of trout is literally a no brainer, shovel ready economic development opportunity for iwi, particularly in the Waiariki region,” says Mr Insley. “The decision not to review the legislation prevents benefits that would almost have been immediate for Māori, including employment, community growth and whānau wellbeing.” One of the reasons cited by Government not to review the current legislation was a lack of research into potential benefits – research that Mr Insley says Ngā Iwi I te Rohe o Te Waiariki have already undertaken. “Last August we finalised and released an Opportunities Assessment Report – a three-stage strategy that explores and analyses potential aquaculture opportunities that would create a new momentum for iwi. “This report initially identified 20 potential opportunities, shortlisted to six. The top of this list – meaning it was an opportunity that was literally ready to go – was trout farming, and particularly, the sea farming of trout. “The only obstacle to making this opportunity a reality is the legislation, which is dated and no longer relevant for Aotearoa. The Cabinet decision means a massive missed opportunity for New Zealand and for Māori – particularly with the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19.” Mr Insley says he understands the Cabinet decision also identified a need to undertake research into the potential tourism and biosecurity impacts of commercial trout farming on the recreational, freshwater fishery. “Given our focus on sea farming, not freshwater farming, we believe this can easily be addressed.” Mr Insley says the BOP Iwi Aquaculture Group is urgently seeking a face to face meeting with relevant Ministers to reinforce the potential Māori development opportunities, remove the challenges and confirm a new timeframe for putting a legislation review back on the agenda. “We have already done the groundwork and research – we want to work alongside Government and its agencies to make it happen.” The Opportunities Assessment Report was released in August 2020 and was commissioned by Ngā Iwi I te Rohe o Te Waiariki and supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Te Ohu Kaimoana. The report includes input from key representatives from the Universities of Waikato and Auckland, Plant & Food Research, the Cawthron Institute and NIWA. The report details promising opportunities from species in the region, including offshore Greenlip mussels and finfish (including Kingfish), seaweed and scallop co-culture, and recirculation aquaculture system (RAS) finfish. The aim of the Waiariki collaboration is to create a sustainable, profitable and resilient industry, while balancing social, cultural, environmental and economic aspects. |