Application 124771 - Ministry of Fisheries

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ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
MARINE FARM EXTENSION
Prepared in accordance with Section 88(2)(b) of the Resource Management Act and taking into
account the provisions of the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan (RCP).
1. Introduction
1.1 This assessment of effects on the environment (AEE) relates to a one hectare extension to
the following farm owned by Moturua Trust No 2:
LI 373/ CN 112682
1.2 Rule 16.5.5A (Extensions of Marine Farms) of the RCP enables an extension of an existing
farm to be applied for. This application is for new space.
1.3 The current consented area of the farm is 6 hectares. The farm is the northernmost farm
of those that are generally located off-shore from Moturua Island, as shown on the RCP
Map 14.
1.4 The survey plan showing the location and position of the area which is being applied for,
is attached in Appendix 1.
1.5 The farming of mussels (Perna canaliculus) and spat catching, and the farming of oysters
and scallops will be the activities undertaken within the area being applied for.
1.6 In accordance with Rule 16.5.5A of the RCP, this consent application is for a discretionary
activity.
1.7 The existing consented marine farm provides the base-line from which the effects of the
area being applied for are to be considered.
1.8 This AEE is structured using the headings of the Fourth Schedule to the RMA, and also
addresses the information requirements of the RCP contained in Appendices I and 1A, and
the matters raised in Rule 16.5.5A.
2. Description of the Proposal
2.1 This application seeks a one hectare extension to an existing consented area to erect,
place and use structures and occupy space, along with associated discharges to water and
air, and disturbances of and deposition to the seabed in the coastal marine area (CMA).
The extension would be used for conventional longline structures for the purpose of
farming mussels (Perna canaliculus), oysters and scallops, including spat catching. The
term of the consent being sought is for 13 years – to enable the term of the area which is
the subject of this application, to be made concurrent with the term of the existing
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