Sally Wyatt, Senior Managing Economist, investigates the economic impacts of a wharf and harbour development on the Opotiki and Whakatane districts and more broadly, on New Zealand. The wharf and harbour are being developed to allow for a large scale aquaculture farm. The global aquaculture industry is estimated as one of the world’s fastest growing primary industries, with recognition that catching and harvesting seafood needs to be managed to avoid the collapse of wild fish stocks. There is considerable potential for growth in aquaculture exports from New Zealand provided New Zealand producers can continue to provide quality products to global markets.