Resource Management Act: RMA Link: Topics: Details

The RMAlink project aims to make community participation in all Resource Management Act processes more straightforward and less time-consuming. More effective participation from those with a concern for the environment will contribute towards improving environmental outcomes nationwide.

Topics: Details

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Wellington Community Network
Subject Coastal & Marine

Text Marine Farming, Aquaculture

The environmental effects of aquaculture are controlled through the RMA. Aquaculture ventures require a coastal permit under the RMA, as well as a license under the Fisheries Act.

A two-year moratorium was introduced in November 2001 to prevent the granting of any further permits for aquaculture. This was to give regional councils the opportunity to include Aquaculture Management Areas in regional coastal plans. Plan rules will then be clear as to where aquaculture can occur, and where it will be prohibited. This was in response to widespread concern over the large number of permit applications being received, and the ad hoc nature of developments.

More information on aquaculture can be found on the MFE website, at www.mfe.govt.nz.

Check your regional council's website to find out about proposals for Aquaculture Management Areas in your region.

 

References
MFE (2000) An overview of the factors affecting the carrying capacity of coastal embayments for mussel farming. Ministry for the Environment, Wellington Study of environmental effects of mussel farming. Reviews state of knowledge in applying the ‘carrying capacity’ concept to shellfish aquaculture. Available online at www.mfe.govt.nz.

Journal Articles

Nugent, Dennis (2005) Aquaculture Reform
Planning Quarterly, March 2005, p2-5
Aquaculture Reform – implications for planners. Regional Coastal plans need to have provisions to enable orderly development of aquaculture. Some councils also need to review conditions applying to existing lease and licence holders.

 

Relevant Case Law

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