About the Aquaculture Development Plan
In 2025, the Government released a plan for developing aquaculture in New Zealand.
New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan [PDF, 4.2 MB]
The Aquaculture Development Plan is led by Fisheries New Zealand. We will partner with industry, Māori, councils, communities, and other government agencies to enable sustainable growth.
It sets out actions we will take to enable the aquaculture industry to reach $3 billion in annual revenue by 2035. These actions are organised into 4 pathways for growth.
Pathway 1: Maximise the value from existing space
The aquaculture industry produces high-value seafood. There is potential to derive even greater value from our existing farm space, while continuing to farm responsibly.
Maximising the value of existing space could contribute up to $1.5 billion in annual revenue by 2035, towards the $3 billion goal.
Pathway 2: Extend aquaculture into the open ocean
Open ocean farming provides a new frontier for growth in places away from other users and activities. Farming in the open ocean is an opportunity to significantly grow production, while maintaining high environmental standards to ensure sustainability.
Extending aquaculture into the open ocean could contribute up to $1.4 billion in annual revenue by 2035, towards the $3 billion goal.
Pathway 3: Realise the potential of the aquaculture settlement
Māori are already leaders in the aquaculture sector, driving innovation, and seeking opportunities to grow the industry. The Crown has a settlement obligation to provide Māori with assets representative of 20% of all new aquaculture space in the territorial sea.
Realising the potential of the aquaculture settlements will be fundamental to achieving the $3 billion goal and will provide a platform for further growth.
Pathway 4: Identify and implement the best new opportunities
Taking new opportunities will ensure that the aquaculture industry is resilient and will grow New Zealand’s unique position in the global market.
Identifying and implementing the best new opportunities could contribute up to $200 million in annual revenue by 2035, towards the $3 billion goal, and set the industry up for further growth.
Who to contact
If you have questions about the Aquaculture Development Plan, email info@mpi.govt.nz
