Marine farming proposals panned

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Proposals to relax marine farming regulations have been criticised as a backward step by recreational fishers and environment groups.

Among the proposals are the creation of an aquaculture agency to regulate and promote the industry, the establishment of a dedicated minister for marine farms, and the ability to bypass regional council approval when including marine farms in coastal plans.

The recommendations, from a government technical advisory group tasked with growing the industry, have been welcomed by marine farmers, The New Zealand Herald reported.

But the changes have been criticised as a backward step by Recreational Fishing Council president Geoff Rowling, who fears public access to some coastal areas would be lost.

"It seems like we are going back to the rules of old where there is really nothing to stop people applying for marine farming space virtually anywhere," he said.

"Our concern is that you might turn up to your favourite bay next summer and find it full of marine farm."

Environmental Defence Society coastal policy researcher Raewyn Peart questioned the credibility of the proposed changes.

Some recommendations were sensible, she said, such as a per-hectare levy on marine farms to help cover costs and avoid a "gold-rush" for free space.

But the advisory group's dual role as industry watchdog and industry promoter were incompatible, she said.

New Zealand has 7000ha of near-shore marine farms, and the Government hopes to grow aquaculture into a $1 billion industry by 2025.

Submissions on the technical advisory group report close December 16.