New Zealand: Construction of three new salmon farms approved

Three new salmon farms have been approved in the Marlborough Sounds by Conservation Minister Nick Smith, ending a legal struggle that started three years ago.

"These three new salmon farms at Waitata and Richmond in Pelorus Sound and Ngamahau in Tory Chanel are hugely important to Nelson and Marlborough's aquaculture industry and wider economy. They will enable NZ King Salmon to grow its products from the current 6000 tonnes per year to 9000 tonnes per year in 2015 and 13,000 tonnes per year by 2033. These new farms will grow our GDP by NZD 120 million (US$101.8 million) per year, our exports by NZD 50 million (US$42.4 million) and employment by 150 new jobs," Minister Smith said.

The Minister's approval is the final stage of the legal process following the application in 2011 by NZ King Salmon for a plan change to make salmon farming a discretionary activity in eight locations. The proposed plan change was referred to the Environmental Protection Authority Board of Inquiry that received 1272 submissions of which 722 opposed, 358 supported and 118 indicated mixed positions.

That result had compelled the company to halt sales in China earlier this month while many other companies were moving into the market, said chief executive officer Grant Rosewarne, citing that the company could not supply enough salmon to meet future demand.

The Minister also approved Plan Change 26, a technical change to the Marlborough Sounds Coastal Plan arising from New Zealand's aquaculture reforms. Smith explained he is considering options for a more collaborative approach to Marlborough Sounds coastal planning in the future and that salmon is a superb product to sit aside the region's world class wine and mussels.

"I am confident that with goodwill and balance we can grow Nelson and Marlborough's salmon industry while also protecting the conservation and recreation values of the Sounds," Smith concluded.

Source: www.fis.com