Preliminary approval for marine farm on West Coast

NEW ZEALAND - The Ministry of Fisheries has given a preliminary go-ahead to the first major marine farm development on the West Coast.

The 45.5 hectare farm will be located about 1km offshore in Jackson Bay, near Fiordland.

The Ministry's aquaculture manager, Dan Lees, says in making the decision the ministry had to judge whether it would unduly effect fishing or the sustainability of fishing resources in the area.

He says particular attention was paid whether the farm would have an impact on Hector's Dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins.

However, the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society says it is disappointed by the Ministry of Fisheries' decision.

Source: Radio New Zealand