Tuesday, December 21, 2010

New Zealand Aquaculture: more time needed for consultation

Environmental Defence Society Chairman Gary Taylor is concerned about the timing of the public submission period on proposed marine farming in the Coromandel New Zealand. On December 17 the Ministry of Fisheries released a consultation document aiming to engage the public on a proposal to amend the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan to remove the prohibition on new aquaculture in a defined 300 hectare zone in the Hauraki Gulf.

“Under the proposal, applications for fish farming would be allowed to be lodged in the proposed zone, which is located in the south eastern Hauraki Gulf, west of the Coromandel township,” says Gary. The proposed zone is located along a direct navigation route from Waiheke Island to Coromandel harbour. The submission period closes on February 9, 2011.

“EDS considers this time period does not provide an adequate opportunity for public participation, in what is a complex issue, with effects on a wide range of activities in the coastal marine area including boating and fishing,” says Gary. “The ministry has not followed a fair process in setting this unrealistic and unreasonable submission period. Read more...

This blog is written by Martin Little The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers

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