Public input extended on Aquaculture Variations

ARC’s Strategic Policy Committee has today extended the public submission period for Aquaculture Variations to the Proposed Regional Plan: Coastal to January 31, 2003. Committee Chair Ian Bradley says the decision to extend the submission period is in response to community requirements voiced over the past two months.

“This proposed regional Plan forms the future direction for the management of our treasured and vital coastal areas and it is important to get the support of the community,” Cr. Bradley said.

Cr. Bradley added that 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.

The 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 Resource Management (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,” says Cr. Bradley.

The Variations were notified on October 29, 2002 and closing date for submissions is now January 31, 2003.

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