11 December 2012

Environmental Protection Authority should consider public opposition to polluting salmon farm extension

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) should take into account the petition of over 11,000 New Zealanders that highlights strong public opposition to the application by New Zealand King Salmon to build nine new polluting salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds, says the Green Party.

Green Party fisheries spokesperson Steffan Browning received the 11,000 signature petition from 17 year old Marlborough Sounds resident Leona Plaisier today, which asks that no new salmon farms be built in recreational water space where aquaculture is prohibited.

Malaysian-owned King Salmon has applied to build nine new salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds, eight of which are proposed in recreational areas where marine farming is prohibited. If successful, King Salmon would be granted the exclusive occupation of recreational water space, rent-free, for up to 30 years.

“The EPA Board of Inquiry should listen to the concerns of the 11,000 New Zealanders who have signed this petition opposing the expansion of polluting salmon farms in the iconic Marlborough Sounds,” said Mr Browning.

“In addition to these petitioners, two-thirds of submitters, including the Marlborough District Council are opposed to the massive expansion of polluting salmon farms.

“The likely nutrient pollution of the proposed farms is equal to that of nearly 60,000 cows.”

“We are looking forward to the decision of the EPA Board of Inquiry, due out soon, to see how that process has worked.
“Public concerns, such as the impact on the recreational use of this beautiful waterway, should be placed ahead of the private profit, exclusive occupation and polluting rights of a foreign owned company,” said Mr Browning.

“The Government has signalled that they want to see King Salmon’s proposal succeed. That position cuts across the views of locals and the local council plan which prohibits aquaculture in the proposed space.

“We look forward to Leona’s petition being directed to the parliamentary primary production select committee where future salmon farming in New Zealand can be further considered,” said Mr Browning.

ENDS

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