September 25, 2024

 

New Zealand expands aquaculture with commercial kingfish farming initiative

 

New Zealand is preparing to enter the commercial kingfish farming market as part of its broader strategy to expand the aquaculture sector, Fish Farmer reported.

 

Already a major producer of salmon, New Zealand sees kingfish, a high-value white-flesh species, as a crucial addition to its aquaculture portfolio. The species is becoming increasingly popular in Europe and the US.

 

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) has confirmed that this move is now a reality for the country.

 

Kingfish are being cultivated at NIWA's state-of-the-art, land-based farm, which was officially opened last month. The facility, located at NIWA's Northland Aquaculture Centre in Ruakaka, on the North Island, is designed to showcase the commercial viability of land-based aquaculture.

 

The farm has the capacity to produce up to 600 tonnes of Kingfish annually.

 

NIWA's chief executive, John Morgan, stated that the new farm introduces a species that will help New Zealand meet the growing global demand for seafood. This initiative aligns with the industry's goal of reaching a target of NZD 3 billion (US$1.9 billion) by 2035.

 

"We saw a clear gap in the market for an on-land farm that produces commercial quantities of high-quality fish," Morgan said. "This new facility uses a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), which offers superior environmental and economic performance, and full control over all aspects of production."

 

Kingfish are noted for their rapid growth and efficient feed-to-flesh conversion. At NIWA's facility, fish grow from a 1mm egg to a 3kg market-sized fish in less than 12 months. Through extensive research and experimentation, NIWA has identified the conditions that optimise the health and welfare of the fish.

 

The RAS venture is a joint initiative between NIWA and the Northland Regional Council. The council constructed the facility, which is leased to NIWA, representing a significant investment in Northland's economy.

 

"Beyond the jobs created and revenue generated for our community, this venture has helped to put Northland on the map in terms of forward-thinking, environmentally friendly farming," said Northland Regional Council Chairman, Geoff Crawford.

 

Crawford added, "It sets a great precedent, and we hope that the success of this venture will spark investment in larger RAS operations, unlocking the economic growth potential of other marine species."

 

-      Fish Farmer