A marine farmer is hoping the way will be clear soon to start commercially harvesting a type of seaweed currently listed as an invasive pest.
Undaria is regarded as a delicacy in Japan and other parts of Asia where it is cultivated. It is also used in pharmaceuticals and for fertiliser.
Since arriving in New Zealand more than 20 years ago, it has spread to most ports.
Biosecurity New Zealand is now considering whether to continue trying to control it as a pest, or allow it to be harvested and farmed. The aquaculture industry is supporting the commercial option.
Canterbury paua farmer Roger Beattie, who also harvests and processes kelp, sees the potential for turning the seaweed into a new multi-million-dollar industry.
He says a large Japanese corporation is prepared to spend about $100 million setting up a factory in New Zealand if it has access to undaria.
