Aquaculture opportunities - a new look

Tasman Peninsula, with its extensive coastline, low population density and lack of industrial development, offers significant marine fanning opportunities. Sheltered stable waters provide, prima facie, ideal sites for both shallow-water and deep-water cultivation activities. Three species are fanned at present - the Pacific oyster Crassastrea gigas, mussel Mytilus edulis planulatus and rainbow trout Salmo gairderi. Four other species offer immediate prospects for cultivation - the flat oyster Ostrea angasi, scallops Pecten furmata, abalone Haliotis ruber and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Other opportunities include seaweed cultivation and flatfish. Current and potential production and employment opportunities from aquaculture activities are projected. Basic details relating to farm size and land-based infrastructure requirements are outlined.