Marine farm progress

Moves to make sure all marine farms meet expected lighting standards were yesterday welcomed by Marlborough district councillors.

Marlborough harbourmaster Alex van Wijngaarden updated councillors at an environment committee meeting on measures made since an audit of marine farm lighting compliance last year showed many sites were failing to meet expected standards.

All 25 sites audited in April 2009 failed to meet reflective tape requirements, while all but one did not have the required number of radar reflectors.

Seven did not have the right number of lights.

The results prompted Mr van Wijngaarden and the Marine Farming Association to form a joint committee to find a solution and several options have since been trialled, including a glowing light stalk and cats-eyes road reflectors.

The light stalk was not bright enough, but the cats eyes had received favourable feedback from marine farmers.

Trials would continue until the end of April, when a timeframe for the new lights to be installed would then be agreed between Mr van Wijngaarden and the association.

Councillor Tom Harrison welcomed the progress.

"I thank you for what you have done. This is something that has been a concern for some time."

Councillor Peter Jerram was also pleased.

"This is about safety for all people who use the Sounds, not just marine farmers."

- The Marlborough Express

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