Oyster company to sue over aquaculture dispute

NEW ZEALAND - An oyster farmer is take legal action against a decision not to allow marine farming in the Kaipara Harbour.

The Auckland Regional Council has withdrawn its support to develop aquaculture in the harbour, despite indicating four years ago that it would allow marine farming to go ahead.

Biomarine Limited in Warkworth was planning a 100-hectare oyster farm that would have created 147 jobs and generated $15 million worth of oysters a year.

Biomarine Limited director, Jim Dollimore, says the waters of the Kaipara are unpolluted and perfect for aquaculture, and the decision does not make sense.

Source: Radio New Zealand