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New Zealand’s waters are among our greatest natural resources. With 4 million square kilometres of ocean, we have one of the largest economic zones in the world and therefore one of the largest economic opportunities. Within this vast area are more than 20 000 species of plants, animals, and microbes, many of which are unique to New Zealand. Most of this vast treasure-trove of biodiversity has not been examined for potentially valuable uses.
Currently, fewer than 70 species contribute significantly to our economy. Seafood production, our sixth biggest export earner, comes mostly from fewer than 10 seafood species. Strong growth in the seafood sector has come from the innovative advance of aquaculture for only one native species, GreenshellTM mussels. Twenty years ago the GreenshellTM industry was just starting out with some help from NIWA; last year it delivered well over $160 million of exports. NIWA is working hand-in-hand with the aquaculture industry to repeat this kind of success by developing techniques for other native species that have been carefully chosen for their high value and ease of culture. Developing sustainable commercial aquaculture of these new species can create many millions in exports, and can provide raw materials for adding further innovative value.
Unlocking the economic potential of the thousands of native species from the wealth of life found in New Zealand’s waters is key to NIWA’s biotechnology research. Using our extensive knowledge of our aquatic biodiversity, we have been systematically searching for high-value product opportunities, drugs, unique oils, cosmetic ingredients, and natural antifoulants. These efforts have generated promising leads that are moving quickly toward commercialisation; they have the potential to generate many millions in future exports for New Zealand.
The articles that follow show some of NIWA’s innovative research that is leading the way toward generating new sustainable wealth from New Zealand’s waters.
Andrew Jeffs General Manager, Aquaculture & Biotechnology