Application 124771 - Ministry of Fisheries

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in Appendix 1 and designed in accordance with Maritime New Zealand’s
“Guidelines for Aquaculture Management Areas and Marine Farms 2005). Lights
would be regularly maintained.
4.7.5 The lights will be yellow and set to flash 5 times every 20 seconds. They will be
visible to 1 nm and stand 1m above sea level, as per Maritime NZ requirements.
4.7.6 Technological changes in recent years in terms of anchoring and type of ropes
used and changes in farming practices have significantly reduced the occurrence
of breakages, particularly during storm events. Should there be a rope break,
however, there would be no impacts on other farms, due to the distance to the
nearest other farm. Due to the cost of equipment, the applicant would seek to
secure/ recover any damaged gear as soon as possible, thereby also avoiding any
navigation concerns. In addition, the farms will be regularly maintained to ensure
security of lines and buoys.
4.7.7 There will be no hazardous substances used by the farmers in exercising the
consent applied for by this application. However it is noted that vessels servicing
the farm area would undertake refuelling at Sugar Laof or Coromandel wharves.
At both of these locations authorised pumps and refuelling systems are in place,
including oil spill response planning. Vessel skippers have been trained in the safe
use of the refuelling equipment.
4.7.8 Sea level rise is unlikely to have any significant impact on the marine farms 5 . The
structures are floating and will be adjusted over time to any change in sea levels.
4. Description of mitigation measures
4.1 A description of the mitigation measures (safeguards and contingency plans where
relevant) to be undertaken to help prevent or reduce the actual or potential effects of the
proposed activity is required to be provided by the RMA.
4.2 The applicant would operate the proposed extension in a sound commercial manner and
in compliance with the standards identified in the Mussel Industry Code of Practice.
These standards are designed to ensure efficient management of the farm and the
production of high quality stock, to ensure long term financial viability and environmental
sustainability. It is noted that farmers are audited by Aquaculture New Zealand in respect
of implementing this Code of Practice.
4.3 The applicant would comply with the Te Kouma Sugar Loaf Landing Facility Operational
Management Plan. This management plan addresses all potential effects of using the
5 Ministry for the Environment, 2008. Coastal Hazards and Climate Change. A Guidance Manual for Local Government in New
Zealand. 2 nd edition. Revised by Ramsay, D and Bell, R. (NIWA).
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