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Tasman’s aquaculture future – another step forward
18 December 2008
Tasman District Mayor Richard Kempthorne welcomed the release today of the Ministry of Fisheries' decision on the long running enquiry into the future of aquaculture in Golden and Tasman Bays. The decision follows an application by the Council in January 2005 asking the Chief Executive of Ministry of Fisheries to approve the aquaculture management areas which themselves followed a decision by the Environment Court designating areas in the coastal area for aquaculture, a case which started in November 1999.
“While there has been frustration over the time it has taken to get to this point, I am pleased that we can move on to the next phase in what is an exciting economic opportunity for Tasman,” said Mayor Kempthorne.
The extra 850 hectares of confirmed space for marine farming is a welcome addition to the area which Council has already approved by way of resource consent and even the 1151 hectares which are subject to negotiation with fishery quota holders represents another significant opportunity. The Council will encourage the various industry parties to resolve on-going issues, and we will do whatever we can to help,” said Mayor Kempthorne
He said the Council was committed to keeping things going and hoped everyone could move on to the next step.
“We have spent too much time in Court and the parties need to work on giving effect to the new opportunities that are opening up,” Mayor Kempthorne said.
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