The aquaculture research sector is getting $1.69 million in more funding from the Government.
The money will go towards research at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson, involving the Nelson-Marlbrough Institute of Technology and a consortium of shellfish companies and other research organisations.
Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee says it is likely to result in substantial economic benefits. He says a key economic issue is the need for New Zealand to develop new, higher value products.
Daryl Wehner from the Cawthorne Institute says building has started on the facility which will be used as an education centre, as well as providing more space for marine farming research and development.
Mr Wehner says the new facility should be completed by October this year.
The cost of the research facility is $5.73 million.
