RMA Objection To Protect Seascapes From Marine Farming

Forest and Bird, Issue 303, 1 February 2002, Page 40

RMA Objection To Protect Seascapes From Marine Farming

—ANN GRAEME

s the marine farming ‘gold rush’ gathers momentum, there is debate about how far the farms should spread. In the Marlborough Sounds, for example, mussel farming is an established industry. But in places not yet invaded by marine farms, people now question whether marine farming should be allowed at all. Consider Jackson Bay on the West Coast south of Haast, where the tarseal ends. Drive to the end of this road, and the only signs of human presence are a cluster of cribs, a wharf and fishing boats at anchor. Stand on the wharf and look north up the sweep of wild coastline which is backed by the mountains and forests of Te Wahi Pounamu, the South West World Heritage Area. This is the essence of natural New Zealand. It is what the tourists come across the world to see. When Sealord Shellfish and its associates sought resource consents from the West Coast Regional Council to establish four marine farms covering 112 hectares, more than a third of Jackson Bay, Forest and Bird and the Society’s West Coast branch

were amongst the many objectors. They raised two major issues: e About 80 Hector’s dolphins live along the Haast coast. There was concern that the marine farms would displace them, and, in the absence of scientific information about the farm’s impacts, a precautionary approach was sought. ¢ From the human perspective, the proposed marine farms threatened to compromise a wild and pristine landscape. Should the outstanding landscape of Jackson Bay be degraded by rows of large plastic buoys? The Regional Council accepted these concerns and declined the applications. They recognised that under the Resource Management Act, section 6, "Matters of National Importance’, they were required to protect the natural character of the coast, outstanding natural features and landscapes and significant habitats of indigenous fauna. The decision has been appealed to the Environment Court and its ultimate outcome may provide a lead for others seeking to protect their seascapes.