Field: Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries    

Registration of new Aquaculture skill standards

Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board has registered three skill standards in the Aquaculture domain.

Date new versions published                                                                                                  February 2026

Planned review date                                                                                               December 2030

Summary

During the public consultation phase of Muka Tangata People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council’s review of the Seafood qualifications, it was pointed out that there were no educational offerings catering specifically to the seaweed sector.  Further investigation showed that the seaweed sector was moving from a research phase to a commercial phase and would need skilled workers to allow this to take place.  Under the umbrella of the wider Seafood review, a working group was convened in June 2025, to see where the gaps were in terms of industry needs.  Members of the working group represented CH4 Global, Ceres, Aotearoa New Zealand Seaweed Association (ANZSA), Southern Clams, Premium Seas.  The three skill standards developed are the result of this process.

This case has been transferred from Muka Tangata People, Food and Fibre WDC to Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board to reflect the intent of VET reforms.

Main changes

Skill standards 41131, 41132 and 41316 were registered in the Aquaculture domain.

Detailed list of standards – classification, title, level, and credits

All changes are in bold.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries > Seafood > Aquaculture

ID	Title	Level	Credit	Review Category
41131	Explore seaweed species, their benefits and their ecological roles	3	5	New
41132	Grade seaweed for quality and suitability for end-use	3	5	New
41316	Harvest and process seaweed species	3	5	New