What’s behind your fish?
A $6.4 billion seafood story
The economic contribution of commercial fishing 2025
Commercial fishing reaches far beyond the boats on the water. New research prepared by BERL for Seafood New Zealand reveals the scale of the jobs, businesses and regional communities supported by the sector – from mum and dad fish and chip shops to local processors and suppliers.
14,500+ FTE jobs supported
In 2025, commercial fishing and seafood processing contributed $2.45 billion to New Zealand’s GDP, generated $6.4 billion in broader activity across the economy and supported more than 14,500 jobs nationwide. Its impact is particularly significant in regional New Zealand.
In Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough alone, the industry supports more than 4,500 jobs and contributes over $750 million to regional GDP.
For every dollar of GDP generated directly by fishing and seafood processing, a further $1.24 is supported elsewhere in the New Zealand economy.
New BERL research shows seafood helps power regional New Zealand
The report adds an important economic and regional perspective to the conversation about New Zealand’s fisheries. It shows why decisions about their future need to consider the wider context – protecting healthy fish stocks and the marine environment, while supporting local seafood access, livelihoods and thriving communities for generations to come.
You can find the BERL report here.
