Aquaculture for all

Aquaculture legislation to be amended, minister says

NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand's Government is going to amend aquaculture legislation. An Environment Court decision has indicated that aquaculture activities could be allowed outside designated management areas, said Environment Minister David Benson-Pope.

He said the intent of the 2005 aquaculture reforms was that applications would be lodged only within aquaculture management areas (AMAs).

"After the passage of that legislation, a decision by the Environment Court (SMW Consortium Limited v Tasman district Council) has indicated that aquaculture activities could be allowed outside these areas," Mr Benson-Pope said in a statement.

"The current situation impacts seriously on major elements of legislation such as the creation of AMAs, allocation of space to iwi, testing for effects on fisheries, tendering and private plan changes."

Mr Benson-Pope said parties involved in aquaculture-related High Court proceedings would have the opportunity to consider their position in light of the proposed amendments.

Source: Stuff.co.nz

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