King salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), also known as chinook, have been farmed in the Marlborough Sounds for more than 25 years.
Salmon thrive in cool, clear, flowing water and the fast-flowing areas of the Sounds provide such a growing environment.
NZ King Salmon has eight marine farms operating in the Sounds and is seeking to relocate some of these into areas with more suitable current flows.
Their salmon are hatched in fresh water and transferred to sea pens to grow to full size before being harvested and sent to Nelson for processing.
Salmon farming provides jobs and export earnings for the country. For Council, decisions on granting new space for salmon farming or renewing existing consents are a balancing act between the economic benefits of salmon farming, sustainable management and community concerns.
Issues include the effect on the marine environment, visual landscape and recreational space. Unlike mussels, farmed salmon are fed with introduced food pellets. If there is an excess of excreted waste, it can accumulate and have a negative impact on the seafloor.
A collaborative approach between NZ King Salmon, Council and the community has developed a set of best management guidelines that aim for well managed salmon farming in balance with the ecology of the Sounds.
