Proposed new salmon farms in the Waitata Reach of Pelorus Sound would create light pollution, says Waitaria Bay resident Colin Roper.

The Kenepuru and Central Sounds Residents' Association lighting expert told an Environmental Protection Authority hearing that King Salmon's planned five proposed farms in the Waitata Reach of Pelorus Sound would have too many flashing lights.

Anyone travelling the reach at night would see up to 25 lights, each flashing five times every 20 seconds, Mr Roper said.

"At 5 to 6 knots in clear conditions a boat's crew will be staring at a proliferation of flashing lights for an hour," he said.

This could make other vessels harder to see and cause confusion and irritation.

King Salmon planned to add to this light pollution by illuminating water under the farms, Mr Roper said.

This was to delay fish maturity.

Mr Roper was speaking to the Environmental Protection Authority board of inquiry.

The inquiry will decide whether King Salmon should have the required plan change and resource consent to build nine new salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds.

On Monday the hearing was held at the Portage Resort Hotel in Kenepuru Sound. Yesterday it moved to the Marlborough Convention Centre in Blenheim.

- The Marlborough Express

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