Marine-farm law changes eyed

Marine farms will be easier to set up under proposed law changes.

Yesterday, Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley released proposals that would see farming take place in aquaculture zones, and applications considered by councils, under a streamlined Resource Management Act (RMA).

Heatley released the aquaculture technical advisory group's report at the aquaculture industry conference in Nelson yesterday.

Farmers believed the report was a "shot in the arm", saying the industry has been bogged down by regulation.

However, recreational fishermen believed it could result in large sea areas being privatised.

Environmentalists were concerned the changes would put pressure on regional councils. The proposed changes include an aquaculture agency to create development strategy and environmental standard.

Approved shellfish and finfish farming will be in aquaculture zones, some existing farm conversion will be allowed, and hundreds of marine-farming applications will be reassessed.

- © Fairfax NZ News