New Zealand King Salmon gets approval for world-first ocean farm

Salmon farming company, New Zealand King Salmon, has obtained final government approval for its Blue Endeavour open ocean salmon farm.

The project, which has been nine years in the making, is set to be a world-first in farming the King Salmon species in the open ocean.

The company will now proceed with an 18-month programme of monitoring the seabed, seabirds, and marine mammals.

This will be followed by a 'proof-of-concept' phase, with trial pens to be installed from June 2025.

Blue Endeavour, located 7km off Cape Lambert in the Cook Strait, has the potential to generate $300 million in new annual revenue and contribute to the growth of regional economies.

New Zealand King Salmon's chief executive, Carl Carrington, emphasised the importance of support from New Zealanders for this aquaculture venture.