Ahumoana | Aquaculture
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Please also refer to the 2022 RWP, specifically the section on Aquaculture:
Marlborough produces about 60% of New Zealand’s exported aquaculture products, mostly mussels and salmon [4]. The importance of the sector across Te Tauihu was identified in the Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy. Iwi across Te Tauihu are invested in marine farming and have identified the development of an Oceans Economy Strategy as a priority area for strengthening our regional economy.
Te Tauihu Intergenerational Strategy(external link) — Te Tauihu
Open ocean farms will help the sector adapt to the impacts of climate change and provide opportunities for expansion. New Zealand King Salmon received resource consent in late 2022 to establish the first open ocean salmon farm in Marlborough [5]. New jobs will be created by open ocean farms, both at sea and on land. Some operations can be managed remotely which will require new skill sets.
An evidence base to inform decision making and monitor change is required for the Marlborough region.
Our recommendations for Aquaculture education and training in Marlborough
- Support Aquaculture New Zealand’s Workforce Action Plan for Aquaculture (linked below).
- Maintain existing courses and training available in our region. NMIT | Te Pūkenga’s online aquaculture programmes (across various levels of the NZQF) are highly valued by industry.
- Invest in new training and skills needs with the development of open ocean farms including a greater focus on engineering and automation skills.
- Invest in support for employers and learners engaged in work-based learning.
- Invest in the implementation of aquaculture apprenticeships (Hatchery, Fish & Shellfish) through the New Zealand Certificate in Aquaculture Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications.
Workforce Action Plan for Aquaculture [JPG, 5MB](external link) — New Zealand Sustainable Aquaculture