Application 124771 - Ministry of Fisheries

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the applicant is a member of the industry in the Coromandel, working with different
agencies involved in aquaculture and support requirements. Public access is not
restricted through the area subject to this application. The activities on the 1 hectare area
being applied for would not generate excessive noise. The associated vessel operations
are also not considered to be excessive.
Proposed Regional Policy Statement
7.10 The proposed Waikato Regional Policy Statement (2010) has a range of objectives and
policies that support this application. In particular, there is one Objective and two policies
that are particularly relevant: namely
Objective 3.6: Coastal Environment. This objective highlights the need for integrated
management and the protection of unique values and the avoidance of conflicts
between uses and values.
Policy 7.1: Interests in the coastal marine area: This policy recognises the coastal
marine area as being public space and the need to allocate space to different
activities. It has two key implementation methods relating to allocation of space and
an aquaculture strategy.
Policy 7.2: Marine Water Quality: This policy seeks to maintain or enhance water
quality. It includes a method recognising the importance of improving water quality.
The proposed RPS anticipates that aquaculture is an appropriate use in the CMA for
environmental, social, economic and cultural well-beings. Method 7.1.4 combined with
the recent legislative and RCP changes recognise that the one hectare extension to
existing farms would be an appropriate development in the coastal marine area. This
application is therefore consistent with the directions of the proposed RPS.
Waikato Regional Coastal Plan
7.11 The RCP is the most relevant planning instrument to this proposal, in that it specifically
addresses extensions to existing farms. Within the RCP a marine farming extension is
identified as being a discretionary activity.
7.12 The Issue, Objective and Policies in Chapter 6 of the plan support the further development
of marine farming. Marine farming is recognised as an important industry within the
Waikato region. There is also an emphasis on sustainable management and efficient use
of space. This application is consistent with the directions of the RCP. Specific provisions
are discussed below.
Objectives and Policies
7.13 Chapter 6 of the plan addresses marine farming. The introduction recognises the
importance of the Firth of Thames and Coromandel areas for marine farming. It also
recognises the potential for new technologies and the contribution this makes to the
social and economic future of the area. It is noted that this has been supported through
the report: “Economic Impact of Coromandel Aquaculture”, Wyatt, S., 2011.
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