New Zealanders may soon be able to cash in on a marine pest that’s plaguing our coastline.

The Government will now permit undaria seaweed to be farmed commercially on coasts where it's out of control.

Undaria – or Japanese kelp -  is grown for food and medicinal uses in Asia, but is on New Zealand's unwanted list because it displaces native ocean plant life.

MAF’s  Biosecurity Policy Manager, Colin Holden, says the kelp was accidentally introduced to New Zealand waters in the 1980s and is now found on the east and west coast.

MAF will now decide which areas can be harvested. After years of lobbying, the aquaculture industry is pleased to be able to have another export opportunity just around the corner. Some marine farmers report they’re already fielding eager enquiries from Asia.