New Zealand controls the world's fourth largest coastal fishing zone and produces about one percent of the world's total fish catch.  The industry has an important role in the New Zealand economy, and jobs within it are exciting and diverse, covering a broad spectrum of skills that range from land-based scientiifc and techncial roles, to hands-on jobs on vessels at sea. 

The Seafood Industry Training Organisation (Seafood ITO) can help you achieve your career goals in this stimulating and opportunity-filled key New Zealand industry.

An exciting industry

New Zealand is a small nation surrounded by water so it is not surprising seafood is a huge part of its culture, economy, and diet.  It's estimated that more than 20,000 New Zealanders are employed directly and indirectly in the seafood industry in a coastal fishing zone that spans 2.2 million square kilometres.

Around 650,000 tonnes of seafood are harvested from New Zealand's coastal waters each year.  For more background information about this exciting industry, see the New Zealand seafood industry fact file.

Training a sector approach

Seafood ITO divides the New Zealand industry into five seafood sectors; Aquaculture, Vessel Operations, Wholesale and Retail, Processing, and Maori. 

Seafood ITO provides and faciliates training programmes within each of these sectors specific to the jobs and roles found in those sectors.  Seafood ITO can help tailor training programmes that meet an individual's personal goals, or an organisation's business plan.  It can also help subsidise training so trainees' and employers' costs are kept to a minimum.

Each Sector has a Manager whose role is to help trainees and managers make the right decisions about training and qualifications in that sector.  You can talk to a Seafood ITO Sector Manager by phone or email.  They are also happy to visit your workplace for individual or group discussions about training needs.

Employers and Trainers

Training your staff is a good place to start. It will explain to seafood industry employers the benefits of training their staff, and can help employers start to make decisions on training programmes for their workplace and employees.