Ban on new marine farms

A two-year ban has been imposed on new marine farms but the Greens, although supporting the bill, say the legislation has been watered down.

The Resource Management (Aquaculture Moratorium) Amendment Bill, passed yesterday, affects ventures that include mussels, kingfish and snapper.

Previously, all applications not at an advanced stage by last November, when the moratorium was announced, were caught up in the ban.

But the Government later agreed to a primary production select committee's recommendation to allow about 140 more marine farming consent applications to be processed.

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said her party supported marine farming but wanted to see the industry develop in a rational way.

There had been a goldrush to stake out space, and applications had been lodged covering more than 50,000ha of coast, she said.

At present, marine farms cover 4500ha.

Her party supported the original plan to allow applications in hearings or under appeal, covering nearly 400ha, to go ahead but the Greens wanted to put the rest on hold.

The select committee had shifted the goalposts, allowing applications covering another 17,000ha to proceed.

Fisheries Minister Pete Hodgson said the bill was a response to problems caused by unrestricted access to coastal areas.

Applicants could apply to operate marine farms in almost every part of the coast, subject to provisions of regional coastal plans.

If one application was rejected there was nothing to stop someone else seeking a consent to establish a marine farm in the same area.

"As a result, there is no certainty for the community or the industry about where aquaculture may occur," Mr Hodgson said.

Planned changes would make it clear where aquaculture was prohibited and where it could occur.

But regional councils could now start identifying suitable areas for aquaculture.

When the ban ended, those applications relating to areas where aquaculture was to be allowed would proceed.

"Any related to areas where aquaculture is to be prohibited will be deemed to have been cancelled," Mr Hodgson said.

The bill gave the Government time to develop legislation implementing its main aquaculture changes.

"These will simplify the process for marine farmers wanting to commence aquaculture activities and provide additional tools for councils in allocating space in the coastal marine area."

The changes would improve the process for obtaining coastal permits under the Resource Management Act, Mr Hodgson said.

It meant ending the requirement for applicants to also obtain a marine farming permit from the Ministry of Fisheries.

- NZPA

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