New Zealand Prepares Fast-Tracked Pathway for Offshore Salmon Aquaculture

NEW ZEALAND
Monday, August 24, 2026, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

The Government proposes streamlining permits for projects located offshore and consolidating space allocation within the State. The seafood industry supports the direction, but demands to inspect the legislative text before committing. New Zealand is preparing a reform of its marine planning system that could reduce regulatory hurdles for offshore aquaculture. The Government has announced that projects located more than 3 nautical miles off the coast will face a simpler authorization process, and in certain cases, the Minister may decide directly on the allocation of marine space. The proposal is part of replacing the current Resource Management Act with the Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, currently before Parliament. According to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Shane Jones, the new framework would eliminate part of the overlap between regional c... FULL STORY