The head of the Ministry of Fisheries wants to see greater co-operation between iwi that have fishing interests.
Chief executive Wayne McNee told the Maori Fisheries conference in Napier on Monday the seafood industry will play an important part in New Zealand's future economic success.
He says there will be excellent opportunities for Maori, especially in aquaculture, for investment, employment and sustainable economic development.
Mr McNee says the ministry will also encourage discussion at a national level, to support a more unified Maori voice on fisheries issues.
Meanwhile, Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples predicts Maori will play an important part in the expansion of the seafood industry, which he says is poised for major growth.
Dr Sharples told the conference that at present Maori exercise effective control of about half of New Zealand's fishing industry.
He says the resource value is almost $4 billion.
Dr Sharples says a challenge for Maori is to consider their collective responsibility, to encourage young people to become involved in the fishing industry.
