Why New Zealand Needs More Paua Farms: Lessons from Arapawa Blue Pearls

Why New Zealand Needs More Paua Farms: Lessons from Arapawa Blue Pearls

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we've spent over 30 years perfecting the art and science of land-based paua farming. Our journey has been filled with challenges, breakthroughs, and invaluable lessons, and we believe it's time more people joined us in this rewarding industry. New Zealand's paua farming sector has enormous potential, and we're here to show you why.

Our Story: Three Decades of Innovation

Our operation is straightforward but meticulously planned. We pump water from beneath our pier to supply our two land-based paua farms, cleaning the intakes every two months and rotating them to ensure maximum efficiency. For decades, this system has worked beautifully, providing the consistent, high-quality water flow our paua need to thrive.

Daily checks keep everything running smoothly, but we've learned never to become complacent. Just recently, we experienced a rare issue, our first significant water volume decrease in 30 years of operation. A valve knocked by waves created an airlock, and suddenly our reliable system faltered. Thanks to our vigilant monitoring and quick investigation, we identified and fixed the problem before it became catastrophic. Ten hours without water could have been disastrous for our sensitive paua, but our commitment to daily vigilance saved the day.

This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: even the most reliable systems require constant attention and respect.

Why We Don't Use Outdoor Tanks (And Why You Shouldn't Either)

Early in our journey, like many aspiring paua farmers, we experimented with outdoor tank systems. They seemed like an attractive option, simpler setup, natural temperature variations, and lower infrastructure costs. But we quickly learned why outdoor tanks simply don't work for paua farming in New Zealand.

The Summer Mortality Problem

Research has consistently shown that abalone experience devastating mortality during summer months due to increased stress from warmer water temperatures and reduced water quality, including elevated ammonia, lower dissolved oxygen, and increased bacteria levels. Studies found that the risk of summer mortality doubles for every 2°C increase in maximum weekly water temperature.

In outdoor tanks, water temperatures can spike rapidly during hot summer days. Farmers report bloat and mortality occurring when water temperatures reach just 22-23°C, which is well below the theoretical thermal maximum for paua. These aren't extreme heatwave temperatures; these are normal New Zealand summer conditions.

Temperature Fluctuations Kill

The problem isn't just heat; it's the inability to control temperature stability. When water temperatures reach 26°C, survival can be reduced by up to 50% for paua on commercial diets. In outdoor systems, you have no control when a hot day pushes temperatures into the danger zone. By the time you notice a problem, you may have already lost a significant portion of your stock.

Oxygen and Water Quality Issues

Paua are not efficient at pumping water over their gills, and studies show that even slightly lowering oxygen levels reduces growth rates. Outdoor tanks, especially in summer, struggle to maintain the high oxygen levels paua require. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, and without active temperature control and aeration systems, your paua are constantly stressed.

Additionally, outdoor tanks are exposed to:

Algal blooms that can consume oxygen
- Direct sunlight that raises temperatures unpredictably
- Bacterial buildup that increases in warm conditions
- Contamination from birds and other wildlife
- Unpredictable weather events

Our Indoor Advantage

By bringing our systems indoors with controlled water flow, we can:

- Maintain stable temperatures year-round
- Ensure consistently high oxygen levels through our bucket-tipping system
- Monitor and adjust conditions in real-time
- Prevent contamination and disease
- Achieve reliable, predictable growth rates

Yes, indoor systems require more initial investment. Yes, they need more infrastructure. But after three decades, we can tell you with absolute certainty: they work. Our survival rates, growth rates, and product quality speak for themselves. The farms that have succeeded in New Zealand, the ones producing 80-90 tonnes per year, all use controlled, land-based systems with active temperature and water quality management.

The Bottom Line on Outdoor Systems

If someone tries to convince you that outdoor paua tanks are viable in New Zealand, run the other way. We tried it. The research confirms it. The successful commercial operations prove it. Paua take around 4 years to reach commercial size, and a well-run farm using proper indoor systems may expect to achieve a feed conversion ratio of around 1.5. You cannot achieve these results reliably with outdoor systems where summer mortality can wipe out years of investment in a matter of days.

Don't make the expensive mistake we nearly made. Invest in proper land-based, temperature-controlled systems from the start. Your paua, and your bank account, will thank you.

Why Paua Farming is the Future

Sustainability That Makes Sense

Wild paua populations face increasing pressure from both commercial and recreational harvest. Land-based farming offers a sustainable alternative that can meet market demand while protecting natural stocks. By producing high-quality paua in controlled environments, we're part of the solution to ocean conservation.

Premium Products, Premium Returns

Our farm produces two exceptional products: premium paua meat and stunning Mabe pearls. The iridescent beauty of paua shells translates into pearls that capture those spectacular blues and greens unique to New Zealand waters. This diversification creates multiple revenue streams and maximizes the value of each animal we raise.

Controlled Environment, Consistent Quality

Land-based systems give us complete control over water quality, temperature, and feeding schedules. This means consistent growth rates, healthier animals, and superior product quality. Unlike ocean-based operations, we're not at the mercy of storms, pollution events, or unpredictable environmental changes.

The Real Talk: What It Takes

We won't sugarcoat it, paua farming demands dedication. Here's what we've learned:

Daily Vigilance is Non-Negotiable

Our daily checks aren't optional. Paua are incredibly sensitive to environmental changes, and early detection of problems can mean the difference between a minor adjustment and a major crisis. Good pressure means lots of oxygenated water, which keeps our paua happy and our bucket-tipping system functioning perfectly.

Systems Thinking is Essential

Everything connects. Water flow affects oxygen levels, which impact feeding behaviour, which influences growth rates. Understanding these relationships takes time and hands-on experience, but it's this knowledge that separates successful farms from struggling ones.

Patience Pays Off

Paua farming isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. These animals take years to reach market size. But for those willing to invest the time and effort, the rewards, both financial and personal, are substantial.

Why New Zealand Needs YOU

The demand for sustainable, premium seafood continues to grow globally. New Zealand has pristine waters, excellent farming conditions, and a reputation for quality that opens doors in international markets. Yet we have relatively few paua farms compared to our potential.

More farmers mean:

-Reduced pressure on wild stocks, ensuring healthy populations for future generations
-Economic opportunities in coastal communities that need sustainable industries
-Innovation and knowledge sharing that benefits everyone in the sector
-Meeting growing demand for New Zealand's premium seafood products
-Building a legacy that your grandchildren can be proud of

Starting Your Journey

If you're considering paua farming, here's our advice:

Start with research and mentorship. Connect with existing farms (we're always happy to share knowledge), understand the regulatory requirements, and learn from those who've walked this path before you.

Plan meticulously. Your water system is everything. Design it well, build in redundancy, and never underestimate the importance of maintenance schedules. And whatever you do, invest in proper indoor, temperature-controlled systems from day one.

Commit to excellence. Half measures don't work with paua. These creatures demand your best effort every single day.

Think long-term. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Build systems that will serve you for decades, and cultivate the patience needed to see your farm mature.

Our Commitment to the Future

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we've implemented additional measures to prevent issues like our recent airlock incident from occurring again. We continuously monitor our systems, refine our processes, and stay committed to the vigilance that has sustained us for three decades.

Our goal isn't just to run a successful farm today; it's to ensure this operation thrives for generations to come, providing peace of mind and a meaningful legacy for our grandchildren and beyond.

Join Us in Building Something Special

New Zealand's paua farming industry stands at an exciting crossroads. We have the knowledge, the technology, and the environment to create a world-class sector that supplies premium products while protecting our marine heritage.

What we need now are more dedicated people willing to embrace the challenge.

If you're passionate about sustainable aquaculture, committed to excellence, and ready to invest in a rewarding long-term venture, paua farming might be your calling. The journey isn't always easy, but as we can attest after 30 years, it's absolutely worth it.

At Arapawa Blue Pearls, we take pride in delivering the finest Mabe pearls and paua products while maintaining the highest standards of operation. We'd love to see more farms sharing this commitment, growing this industry, and ensuring that New Zealand paua farming continues to flourish.