• Full Story

Govt fast tracks salmon farm proposal

Email
Print

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 2:23p.m.

Environment Minister Nick Smith says the proposal by New Zealand King Salmon Company is nationally significant (file)

Environment Minister Nick Smith says the proposal by New Zealand King Salmon Company is nationally significant (file)

A proposal to establish eight new salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds has been put on the fast track.

Environment Minister Nick Smith says the proposal by New Zealand King Salmon Company is nationally significant and he's sending it to an independent board of inquiry.

The normal consent process could take years and Dr Smith wants it dealt with thoroughly and quickly.

"This a large expansion and meets the national significance criteria as it would involve considerable use of natural resources and impact an area of national significance and its environment," he said.

"These effects need to be weighed up alongside the economic benefits."

The board will decide whether to accept or reject the proposal in the next year.

Environment Court Judge Gordon Whiting will chair the board of inquiry.

NZN

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

18 Mar 2012 09:30p.m.

Interested Observer wrote:

Interesting article and heartfelt comments, many bear truth and relevance of history going back to the whaling days out of the region.

For King salmon there is actually an alternative of greater scale, lower cost, more stable breeding environment, with less environmental impact, no natural water based predator (carnivore or bacterial) and one of their shareholders (Direct Capital) knows where and who it is. It is a pity that King Salmon's eyes are only limited to what they can see on the immediate horizon.

As for their export opportunity, this is terrific and I hope they secure long term engagements for the securing of these opportunities but they need to think deeper, think longer term and understand the dynamics of their source or it won't be there to help them meet the demand of the future.

Best of luck King Salmon and best of luck for those not wanting the aqua-farms in the Pelorus or Queen Charlotte Sounds, I support both and there is a means of satisfying both, lets see how well this is managed by all parties involved.

: )