GDP for the Seafood industries is forecasted to decline by 14% between 2023 and 2027.
MPI’s forecasted growth for 2032 across the Seafood industry shows an overall workforce increase (BAU scenario). However, this varies by occupation and role:
- 1% decrease for managed roles, including processing staff (deep sea), hatchery staff, and sea farm staff
- 27% increase for manager roles
- 17% increase for semi-autonomous roles.
The Aquaculture industry is forecast to increase significantly. Additionally, more specialist skills are becoming a necessity, particularly in the AI and technology space, which has seen an increase in use in the last 12-18 months.
The Seafood industry workforce has a low level of formal qualifications. Based on those in the workforce where we have data on qualifications, 16% have no qualification and 11% have NCEA L1 or equivalent. This is a higher percentage of workforce with no qualifications compared with the benchmark across all Muka Tangata industries.
The focus in the seafood industries is on the growing Aquaculture industry and the Micro-Credentials developed with industry to revitalise training in the sector.
See Qualifications table here.