Record surge for salmon haul

The haul of salmon has hit record levels in recent weeks.

New Zealand King Salmon's production hit a pre-Christmas record due to strong overseas demand.

Then a Christmas surge locally meant more record numbers of fish handled by the harvesters in Marlborough and processors in Nelson.

The Christmas week harvest fell just short of 50,000 salmon.

The company's normal daily harvests fluctuate between 5000 and 7000 salmon, depending on demand and aircraft space.

Harvests have been up to 24 per cent above last December's record day.

Chief executive Paul Steere said the last six months had been bountiful for King Salmon, with "excellent fish quality and size" being harvested at the Marlborough Sounds farms.

- NZPA