Try carp – not trout, minister says

Trout farming will remain banned for at least another three years.

Primary Industries Minister David Carter also says the government will not debate the issue.

The New Zealand Customs Service last month extended its prohibition order on the fish until November 2015.

Companies such as Sanford have been lobbying the government to lift a ban on trout farming but opponents such as Fish & Game say trout farms might spread disease and damage New Zealand’s wild trout fishing industry.

Addressing the Aquaculture New Zealand conference in Nelson  on Friday, Mr Carter admitted there was interest from the sector in farming trout.

“I realise there would be some disappointment in this room over the government’s decision to extend the Customs Import Prohibition Order for trout,” he said.

“To be quite clear, we considered the implication of this CIPO carefully, but the government is simply not prepared to enter into a debate on farming trout at this stage.”

However, Mr Carter called for innovation in other areas to help aquaculture meet its target of becoming a $1 billion industry by 2025.

He also pledged support for salmon and other fish farms, accepting industry views that “many coastal plans are still extremely restrictive”.

“I have asked the Ministry for Primary Industries to look at ways central government can work proactively with local government to unlock growth opportunities, and ensure protection of your existing aquacultural space.” 

Mr Carter said resource consents for salmon farms have “cost much more than anticipated” and he referred to the NZ King Salmon company’s proposals to change the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan to allow more farming.

“I have been following the proposals closely and I’m keen to see a positive outcome.” 

He was also working with Environment Minister Amy Adams to change the Resource Management Act to allow “appropriate sustainable development”.

“Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and I are also committed to reviewing the framework for land-based aquaculture ... an area with unrealised potential. Later today [Nov 2] I will be opening a new grass carp aquaculture facility here in Nelson which is another example of innovation in your industry.”