Aquaculture the epitomy of New Zealand
17 October 2008
In contemplating aquaculture, and it is an industry that has been discussed at length in relation to recent policy decisions; could there be an industry that better encapsulates what it means to be a New Zealander?
It was started in the Marlborough Sounds in earnest just over 30 years ago and in its pioneering days was the idea and dream of a number of locals. It came about as a response to a need - the year-round supply of a uniquely New Zealand delicacy the Greenshell mussel and a keen eye for an opportunity. It has, of course, grown somewhat since that time as the people of Havelock will attest. However, despite its growth the ideals of sustainability and care for the environment, fundamental at the beginning, are no less important and are shared by the other species now farmed, salmon and pacific oysters.
Found in coastal locations a number of other industries are pulling out of, these operations, small and large, often provide the impetus for other supporting industries to invest. They provide local employment opportunities that in turn provide opportunities, and support, for the ancillary businesses that go make up the fabric of a small town. As the individual farms grew and more people became attracted to the opportunities so does the need for more specialised support industries - the boat builders, rope makers and engineers etc.
Such a central economic driver provides the security and opportunity for people to choose where they live and in many cases allows ‘locals' to stay and work in the area they love. While the opportunity to stay in the small town of their childhood is probably not the highest priority for school leavers it is not unusual and there is a growing trend for ‘locals' to come back to their hometown in the knowledge there are opportunities to create a life for themselves and their families.
As the marine farmers predominantly live in the areas they have their farms they know what it means live in these somewhat idyllic locations - they generally chose to live in the region for a reason and much of that had to do with the environment and the opportunities it provides in terms of life choices. It was not about the making of a quick buck they are there for the long term - there is no short term ‘wins' in aquaculture. Not only do those in this industry work in the community, the majority of people concerned are part of the community. They acknowledge marine farms are in public space and it is this fact they, more often than not, act as environmental guardians for the area.
Those at the centre of the industry did not randomly choose their current locations. 40-50 years ago the areas hosting marine farms had their sea floors carpeted with mussels and other shellfish. As the natural inhabitants of the areas with farms the mussels have thrived, albeit in smaller numbers and through other methods. It is still, however, the natural environment that supported the massive population previously that has provided the natural choice of location.
They were chosen by the pioneers because of the clarity of water, the pristine nature of the environment and the ability to access the sites relatively easily. They quickly realised that it was the environmental conditions that allowed to grow the products everyone wanted and it was in their best interests to maintain, if not improve, the environment.
This had led many to be the creators and participants of schemes to clean up beaches in their area (often picking up material that has no relation to marine farming), environmental hotlines and close relationships with water quality agencies and regional councils. The bottom line is that the environment must be maintained to ensure the quality of their products. Any lapse in the application of this and not only will their livelihood suffer, but so will the place they chose to live with their families.
Enjoying the environment and everything in it, is as just as important as creating a benefit from it, a philosophy not lost on the industry. This recognition is why farmers welcome fishers and divers on or near their farms. All they ask in return is that people recognise there is a fair amount of investment in the water, an investment that can benefit more than the farmer but also the community in the long run.
Marine farmers have by no means been able to develop their farms at will. While the current regulatory regime is a lot tighter than it was it was certainly not easy in the early days. One of conditions dictating the placement of the farm is that they are not allowed anywhere over reef structures - the home of the blue cod. It was for this reason specifically that the farms had to be placed over the sandy bottoms, a somewhat desert-like environment formerly carpeted by mussels before being dredged to non-existence.
While the mussel is a filter feeder and extracts its food, predominantly phyto-plankton, from the passing water, there is evidence that fish eggs can be affected. However, there is no evidence they have developed a specific taste for cod eggs alone or as asserted by someone else the cod fingerlings. Farms attract fish there is no doubt about this and the many other species present survive in great numbers.
The mussels are being grown differently from their natural state and in a manner that allows them to feed, and harvested, more efficiently. The modern growing systems also allow economic operations in less space than previously required, further reducing the occupied water space. The effect of which is that are far less mussels in the water than when the cod were plentiful.
However, what has grown is the number of boats, the speed and distance able to travelled safely, the number of fishers, greater access to technology to find, identify and catch fish and at a time when there are less mussels. Are the mussels really to blame? Are the people who live in the communities and rely on a balanced ecosystem for survival to blame?
The mussel farms have been in the area for nearly 30 years but the decline in the numbers driving the closure of the cod fishery has only been apparent over the last few years. Any mussel farmer will tell you there have been no new mussel farms opened in the area over that time - in fact none have been opened in the last 9 years.
Mussel farmers live in the area, are recreational fishers and understand the impact this decision has had on people, especially those whose livelihood has presumably been affected. They also understand many people are trying to identify who is to blame for this situation, however, just because the mussel farms are visible they are not to blame. These farms are already constantly monitored for their effect on the environment - cod killer has yet to be listed.