Norwegian technology leader tells the 2026 AQNZ Conference that New Zealand's toughest aquaculture challenge could become its greatest competitive advantage.
As ocean temperatures rise, New Zealand's salmon farmers are confronting a reality that much of the world's aquaculture industry has yet to face.
Far from being a disadvantage, that experience could position New Zealand as a global leader in farming fish successfully in a changing climate.
That was the message from Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of AKVA Digital, speaking at the Aquaculture New Zealand Conference in Nelson in October.
"The Tasman Sea is warming fast, and that's forcing New Zealand farmers to solve tomorrow's problems today," he told delegates.
While much of the industry's attention is focused on securing new marine farming space to help achieve the sector's NZ$3 billion growth ambition, Sivertsen believes there is significant untapped potential already sitting within existing farms.
"The biggest growth opportunity isn't necessarily in the next consent. It's in improving performance on the farms you already have."
New Zealand, he said, possesses one advantage many countries would envy: world-class ocean intelligence.
Seasonal forecasting tools can already identify marine heatwave risks months in advance, giving farmers time to adjust operations and reduce impacts.
"You are data-rich but still, too often, decision-poor," he said.
"The information exists. What's missing is the ability to consistently turn those insights into action."
According to Sivertsen, performance differences between farms, pens and seasons highlight a major opportunity. Some sites consistently outperform others, despite operating under the same company and management systems.
"Close that performance gap, and you've unlocked growth you can bank today, while the new space needed for long-term expansion works its way through the consent process."
Just as importantly, he said, improving consistency will help protect the premium reputation New Zealand King salmon has built in global markets.
"King salmon is a premium product built on quality and trust. As production grows, maintaining that reputation becomes even more important."
"Consistency is the pinnacle of performance, and it's what protects the premium."
His comments resonated with many farmers attending the conference, who recognised the increasing challenge of maintaining production as environmental conditions become less predictable.
But Sivertsen believes New Zealand's early exposure to warming seas could ultimately become a strategic advantage.
"Whoever learns to farm well in a warming sea first will teach everyone else how," he said.
"New Zealand has a head start nobody asked for."
Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of AKVA Digital, speaking at the Aquaculture New Zealand Conference
“Whoever learns to farm well in a warming sea first will teach everyone else how - New Zealand has a head start nobody asked for.”