Balance New Zealand believes that aquaculture will play an increasingly important role in the future of New Zealand’s food production, regional development, and marine economy. When managed responsibly, aquaculture can provide sustainable seafood, create skilled employment, and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
New Zealand’s coastal environment is a valuable national asset that must be protected while supporting economic opportunity for coastal communities. The development of aquaculture must therefore occur within strong environmental limits, clear governance frameworks, and with the confidence of the public.
This policy outlines Balance New Zealand’s approach to responsible aquaculture growth, ensuring the industry develops in a way that protects marine ecosystems, respects Treaty obligations, and delivers long-term benefits to New Zealanders.
Balance New Zealand believes the expansion of aquaculture must be guided by clear principles that balance environmental protection with economic opportunity.
First, environmental protection must remain the priority. Aquaculture operations must operate within strict environmental limits that protect water quality, marine habitats, and biodiversity.
Second, aquaculture should contribute to sustainable economic growth by creating stable employment opportunities and strengthening regional economies.
Third, coastal communities must have confidence that aquaculture development is carefully managed, transparent, and subject to strong monitoring and enforcement.
Finally, aquaculture growth should support broader fisheries sustainability by helping reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
Balance New Zealand recognises aquaculture as a strategic opportunity within New Zealand’s marine economy.
Responsible development of the sector can increase domestic seafood supply, strengthen food security, expand high-value exports, and support regional economic diversification.
Aquaculture also complements sustainable fisheries management by providing additional seafood supply while helping reduce pressure on wild fish stocks.
Balance New Zealand sees aquaculture not as a replacement for fisheries management, but as a complementary pillar of a balanced and sustainable ocean economy.
Aquaculture development must prioritise farming systems and species that minimise environmental impact.
Priority will be given to low-impact species such as shellfish and seaweed, as well as non-fed or low-feed aquaculture systems where appropriate. Where finfish farming occurs, land-based or closed-containment systems will be encouraged where feasible.
Aquaculture systems that disturb or damage seabed habitats will not be supported unless they can demonstrate clear environmental safety.
All aquaculture developments will be required to undergo robust environmental impact assessments. Operations must avoid sensitive marine habitats, reefs, spawning grounds, and customary fishing areas unless agreements are reached through appropriate consultation and partnership processes.
Strict standards will apply for water quality, waste management, disease control, and environmental monitoring. Compliance with these standards will be mandatory and enforceable.
Balance New Zealand is committed to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting a growing aquaculture industry.
This includes expanding aquaculture education and training programmes through polytechnics and wānanga, supporting apprenticeships and internships in coastal communities, and investing in marine science and environmental monitoring education.
Clear career pathways should exist within the sector, allowing workers to progress from entry-level roles into technical, management, research, and innovation positions.
Aquaculture jobs should provide stable employment and contribute to long-term regional economic growth.
Innovation will be critical to ensuring aquaculture remains both environmentally sustainable and internationally competitive.
Balance New Zealand supports continued research into new aquaculture species, improved farming systems, sustainable feed technologies, and climate-resilient production methods.
Investment in monitoring technologies, biosecurity systems, and environmental management tools will also be encouraged.
Partnerships between government, research institutions, and industry will help ensure that the sector continues to develop responsibly.
The development of aquaculture should support wider efforts to strengthen fisheries sustainability.
Expanding aquaculture production can reduce pressure on depleted wild fish stocks and help support rebuilding efforts within the quota management system.
Aquaculture may also assist the transition away from destructive fishing practices by providing alternative seafood production.
However, aquaculture development must not create new environmental risks or undermine existing fisheries management objectives.
Public confidence is essential for the long-term success of aquaculture.
Balance New Zealand supports clear national direction on suitable locations for aquaculture development, early engagement with coastal communities, and transparent decision-making processes.
Environmental, social, and economic outcomes of aquaculture development will be regularly reviewed and publicly reported.
Community consultation will remain an important part of planning decisions to ensure aquaculture development reflects both local needs and national interests.
Aquaculture operations must meet clear regulatory requirements and environmental standards.
All aquaculture operations will be subject to regular monitoring and compliance audits. Consent conditions will be enforceable, and meaningful penalties will apply where environmental standards are breached.
Serious or repeated violations may result in suspension or closure of aquaculture operations.
Strong enforcement is necessary to ensure the industry operates responsibly and maintains public trust.
Balance New Zealand believes aquaculture has the potential to become a major contributor to New Zealand’s future food system, marine economy, and regional employment.
By prioritising environmental protection, supporting innovation, and maintaining strong governance, aquaculture can develop in a way that benefits both the economy and the natural environment.
This policy seeks to ensure that aquaculture growth strengthens New Zealand’s seafood sector while protecting the health of the oceans for future generations.
