Aquaculture

New ways to address environmental sustainability challenges.

NIWA’s team of leading scientists and world-class facilities are dedicated to supporting the sustainable growth, diversification and future-proofing of New Zealand’s aquaculture industry.

Before fish Alvin Setiawan studied weta and penguins. These days he’s never far from the kingfish tanks at NIWA’s Northland Marine Research Centre at Bream Bay.

A giant squid and several glow-in-the-dark sharks were surprise finds for NIWA scientists last month on the Chatham Rise during a voyage to survey hoki, New Zealand’s most valuable commercial fish species.

Research shows how fish are being affected by microplastics.

Based at Bream Bay, Whangarei, Crispin Middleton is also an acclaimed underwater photographer and the recipient of numerous photography awards. His work regularly appears in New Zealand Geographic, dive magazines, scientific journals and conservation/ government documents.

Concrete structures key to restoring the paua population wiped out by earthquake.

Some simple steps to minimise the effects of aquaculture activities on water quality and mahinga kai.

New Zealand's first eel farm was established in 1971. Despite other farms opening in later years, no eel farms remained by the start of the 1980s.

NIWA's seafood sector work comprises our fish, fisheries and aquaculture research and consultancy.

The seafood counter at your local supermarket has changed.