ARC says AMAs to provide for sustainable aquaculture

18 October 2002

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) this week voted to adopt variations related to aquaculture development in the Proposed Regional Plan: Coastal.

ARC’s Strategic Policy Committee Chair Cr. Ian Bradley said ” the ARC’s direction provides for aquaculture development in the region in a manner that will not undermine the sustainable management of fisheries, Treaty of Waitangi settlements, environmental integrity or the rights of the public to enjoy our maritime heritage. “

Cr. Bradley added that main purpose of the variations are two-fold: Firstly, to define Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs) in the region and secondly, to develop a policy framework for future management of aquaculture development.

ARC’s move to amend the Proposed Regional Plan: Coastal follows on from the Aquaculture Moratorium Amendment Act that was passed in March this year.

“The legislation put a hold on new aquaculture activities in all coastal marine areas and allowed regional councils around New Zealand to define with their relevant communities what suitable AMAs would look like,” said Cr. Bradley.

“It is important to note that the location and scale of areas identified as being suitable for aquaculture should not be considered as final. It is a framework that can be added to. “ said Cr Bradley.

The variations will be publicly notified within two weeks and will include maps of the proposed AMA areas for the Auckland region. The Public and interested parties will be able to make submissions to the Plan.

ENDS

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