22 Mar 2013

Crayfish export industry expected to flourish

6:49 am on 22 March 2013

The $240 million crayfish export industry is to grow by more than $3 million this year following catch limit increases.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy on Thursday announced increases of 32 tonnes in both the Gisborne and Wellington-Hawke's Bay fisheries.

A 20-tonne reduction in catch was made at the Otago fishery.

Rock Lobster Industry Council chief executive Daryl Sykes says its key market is China and expects the industry to continue moving forward as management of stocks is the best it has been in a decade.

The Government also announced a catch increase of 2700 tonnes for surf clams, equating to about $20 million in export earnings.