The Ministry of Fisheries has decided propose Tasman Interim Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs) in Golden and Tasman Bays. The proposal is an agreement for some expansion. But it is said that the proposal further increases the hectarage that could damage fishery and shellfish stocks.
After the discussion the ministry comes up with different opinions which give the council and submitters sleepless nights. They are still deciding the final outcome and will welcome further submissions taken to the Ministry before the final decision is made, may be in June 2008.
Ministry of Fisheries’ aquaculture manager Dan Lees says, “The decision may change if additional information shows the effects on commercial fishing and the sustainability of fisheries resources are more or less than currently expected.”
He informed that if marine farmers and commercial fishers can reach a voluntary agreement then the proposal of AMAs would be effective. According to him any additional information provided will be carefully considered before a final decision to grant or decline the interim AMAs is made.
Ministry of Fisheries’ CEO Wayne McNee said the ministry is ready to go ahead with voluntary agreement if any decision fails to come up. He informed that voluntary agreements are a new provision in the law for the negotiating outcomes between aquaculture and commercial fishing interests.
