15 August 2024
Ocean Beach: When food, science and tourism collide
“We’re thrilled to see the world taking notice of the innovative work we’re doing with pāua, whitebait, and seaweed, and it’s an honour to share this with our guests.”
Behind its Chernobyl like exterior a once a quiet epicentre of aquacultural innovation, is now becoming as a must-visit destination for tourism.
Renowned for its pioneering work with Foveaux Pāua, the country’s only sustainable whitebait farm, groundbreaking seaweed initiatives aimed at restoring ocean floors and supporting fisheries, and creating solutions to the global methane challenge.
The former Ocean Beach freezing works site is now evolving from a scientific stronghold into a celebrated tourism spot.
The past week has seen a surge of high-profile visitors to Ocean Beach, ranging from international chefs eager to savour boutique seafood and local gin, to inbound tour operators and educators captivated by the cutting-edge practices that are putting Southland on the global map.
Local schools have also shown keen interest, lining up to tour, learn, and experience firsthand the aquaculture innovations taking place in their community.
Among the noteworthy visitors has been two-time Olympic gold medallist and Black Fern, Alena Saili, drawing attention to the blend of food, science, innovation, and sustainability thriving in Southland.
The increasing visiting numbers underscored the growing appeal of Ocean Beach, not just as a producer of world-class seafood but as a destination where tourism and education converge.
Ocean Beach manager Mogana Manivannan said: “Ocean Beach is more than just operational farms, scientists, and producers; it’s an emerging tourism hub where visitors can witness sustainable aquaculture in action.
“We’re thrilled to see the world taking notice of the innovative work we’re doing with pāua, whitebait, and seaweed, and it’s an honour to share this with our guests.”
Last week the New Zealand Tourism Export Council held its annual conference in in Invercargill for the first time and that is said to have further solidified Ocean Beach’s status as a must-visit destination.
Tour operators expressed interest in showcasing the unique aquacultural hub to their clients, Manivannan said.
“We’re excited to launch commercial pāua farm tours and gin distillery experiences in the coming weeks. It’s a privilege to share Southland’s finest offerings with our visitors and show the world what our region does best.”
As Ocean Beach continues to attract attention, it is becoming part of the burgeoning food scene in the south.
It is becoming clearer that this once-hidden gem is now at the forefront of a new wave of tourism, where Southland’s natural resources and innovative spirit are proudly on display.
Source: The Southland Tribune – 14 August 2024