The government will contribute $1.69 million to a seafood and aquaculture research facility, Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee says.The Cawthron Institute, near Nelson, involves a partnership with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology,
The government will contribute $1.69 million to a seafood and aquaculture research facility, Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee says.
The Cawthron Institute, near Nelson, involves a partnership with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, industry and other research organisations.
With the new funding the centre would provide aquaculture companies with an opportunity to take a product or technique from research through to pilot scale commercial production on one site, Mr Brownlee said.
"The aquaculture sector has considerable potential for economic growth.
"One of the key economic issues facing New Zealand in many sectors is the need to develop new, higher value products."
The industry's goal is to grow sales to $1 billion by 2025, Mr Brownlee said.
"This funding, along with other initiatives such as upcoming legislative reforms, is part of the government's commitment to that goal."
The research facility was expected to cost $5.73 million, including $1.69 million of government funding.
