Seafood Industry Welcomes EPA Decision

Thursday, 19 June 2014, 10:11 am
Press Release: Seafood New Zealand

Seafood Industry Welcomes EPA Decision

The New Zealand seafood industry welcomes the Environmental Protection Authority’s decision to decline Trans-Tasman Resources’ (TTR) application to mine the South Taranaki Bight.

Seafood New Zealand chairman, George Clement says the decision was the right one given concerns about the impact of mining activity on New Zealand’s fisheries.

“Our fisheries are an important and valuable resource, and while we are not against mining, we have valid concerns about the state and health of the fisheries if mining was to go ahead,“ says Mr Clement.

“The EPA has recognised that this is a relatively new industry which has many uncertainties, and that this was a risk not worth taking when it came to New Zealand’s marine environment.

Mr Clement says that the EPA has also taken into account the existing rights of the seafood industry and which has sustainably harvested seafood for a long time.

“Mining is recognised as being transitory and we are pleased that the EPA has taken a long-term view over the short term. We applaud their decision.”
ENDS

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