28 November 2001

Marlborough-based Green MP Ian Ewen-Street today said he was very pleased with the Government announcement of a two year moratorium on future aquaculture developments.

Mr Ewen-Street said today's decision would give an element of certainty to residents in many coastal regions and would allow a cooling off period for an issue that was fast reaching boiling point.

"The concerns of residents in areas like the Marlborough Sounds have been acknowledged in this moratorium. I have been calling for this moratorium for the last two years and today's announcement will give regional council's the time to properly assess the impacts of aquaculture," he said.

"The current boom and bust mentality of aquaculture has resulted in a desperate, gold-rush type grab for sea space. This moratorium will allow for research into the ecological impacts of marine farming and will lead to commonsense decisions being made on the future of our coasts and bays."

Mr Ewen-Street said the Guardians of the Sounds, of which he is a founding member, have been calling for integrated management of the entire Marlborough Sounds, including fishing, farming, forestry and marine farming.

"Today's decision is a timely victory for commonsense that safeguards our marine environment and allows further research into an issue that needs it," he said.

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