60 | A new treat for oyster lovers To support the Pelorus Sound operation, the company has launched a new vessel named Tio Huri, meaning ‘oyster’ and ‘change’ in Māori, a reflection of the significant shift from mussel to oyster farming in these waters, and for the company. Flip Farm Systems T T Karen Phelps REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Marlborough Oysters aquaculture company has tripled its operation with a major expansion into Pelorus Sound, introducing a new flavour profile to New Zealand’s oyster market and launching a purpose-built vessel to service the new farms. Business owners Aaron and Debbie Pannell are excited to have just completed their first harvest from their new Pelorus Sound operation, and say it’s a significant milestone, not just for them but for the region, as it is the first large-scale oyster farm in waters traditionally dominated by Greenshell Mussels. The expansion follows a 12-month process to install several new farms in Pelorus Sound, adding to the company’s original operation in Croisilles Harbour that has been running since 2011. The new location promises to deliver oysters with a distinctly different taste profile. “Oysters grown in a region take on the flavours of that region. In wine, that flavour profile is called terroir, and with shellfish it’s called merroir. This geographical influence on taste opens new possibilities for New Zealand’s domestic oyster market. From taste tests the opinion is that these oysters are a slightly sweeter flavour than the ones grown in our other operation,” explains Aaron. The expansion has been enabled by the company’s sister business, FlipFarm Systems, which has developed the world’s first semi-automated oyster growing system. Aaron says FlipFarm provides an ideal environment for oyster growth, conditioning and hardening, along with the ability to have complete control over fouling, pests and predators. The FlipFarm system, invented by Aaron after 20 years in the mussel industry, has gained international recognition, and is now used worldwide from Australasia to North America and Europe. It won the 2021 Future Development Innovation Award from Seafood New Zealand, and the Australian Good Design Award for Engineering Design. The technology has been crucial to scaling operations efficiently in the new Pelorus Sounds location. To support the Pelorus Sound operation, the company has launched a new vessel named Tio Huri, meaning ‘oyster’ and ‘change’ in Māori, a reflection of the significant shift from mussel to oyster farming in these waters, and for the company. Local company TCC has built the new vessel. The expansion has also necessitated increased staffing both on the water and in processing facilities. Two years ago, the company built a new spat facility in Nelson at the Glenhaven Aquaculture Park to support the growth plans. The Pannells’ journey into oyster farming began in 2010 when a virus struck New Zealand’s oyster industry, wiping out approximately 60% of production. “We started our business to re-supply and restock those farms,” says Aaron. lthough the majority of their product is exported, Aaron says Marlborough Oysters also remains focused on supporting local restaurants. The company’s growing methods in deep, high-salinity water, rather than tidal mudflats, produces oysters with a notably clean finish, and he says the Pelorus Sound expansion will help to address domestic supply constraints that have limited restaurant availability. “With this new supply coming on we will be able to supply as many oysters as people want,” says Aaron. “Now, because we have more supply, we can also supply larger oysters as well as we can give them time to get big enough. So for our customers it will be a game changer.” Tel: 03 544 5090 Fax: 03 544 4864 Email: info@hmp.co.nz www.hmp.co.nz Manufacturers of quality Polystyrene boxes of all shapes & sizes – varying from 1 litre to 70 litres. Friendly service with prompt delivery throughout the North & South Island, Distribution facilities in: • Nelson • Invercargill Proud suppliers to the fishing industry for many years Hope Moulded Polystyrene Our Airpop engineered boxes are 98% fresh air and 100% recyclable Engineering support for the aquaculture industry from Aquafarm to Factory Aquaserv provide maintenance and support services to the aquaculture industry. Outboard and inboard motor sales, service and parts. Honda Marine, Mercury Marine and Scania main agents. p. 03 574 2337 e. workshop@aquaserv.nz Havelock Marina www.aquaserv.nz
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