23 Jan 2012

MAF move on seaweed farming not enough - marine farmer

6:49 am on 23 January 2012

A marine farmer and entrepreneur says a Ministry of Agriculture move to allow farming of a pest seaweed in parts of the country will do little to release its commercial potential.

MAF has announced that it will permit undaria, also known as Japanese kelp, to be farmed in small areas around Wellington, Marlborough and Banks Peninsula.

It can also be harvested from sites such as marine farming structures, but not natural surfaces.

The seaweed, which was accidentally introduced to New Zealand in the 1980s, is now widespread around most of New Zealand's eastern and southern coastlines.

It is still officially designated an unwanted organism, but MAF recognises that as an edible seaweed that can also be used for fertiliser and fish food, it has some commercial value.

Roger Beattie, who's involved in mussel and paua farming and kelp harvesting, says MAF's designation of Undaria farming sites is a small move in the right direction, but it won't be enough to unlock the export potential.

Prolific areas

Mr Beattie says there needs to be harvesting off natural surfaces or wild stock harvesting in places where the seaweed is already prolific such as Wellington, Marlborough and Banks Peninsula.

He says wild stock harvesting would mean a longer season than just using seaweed from marine farms.

He says he's been harvesting small amounts of Undaria for local use.