According to the press communiqué of the Ministry of Fisheries the interested parties for public consultation should submit their comments on a proposed marine farming zone in the Coromandel by 9 February. The Aquaculture Ministerial Advisory Panel is holding hearings at Thames, Coromandel Township and Auckland from 9 to 12 February to allow members of the public to present their submissions in person. Those who wish to speak to their written submission at the Panel hearings are invited to let the Aquaculture Unit of the Ministry of Fisheries know by 4 February.
Advisory Panel chair Hon Sir Doug Kidd encourages stakeholders to get involved in the process. He urged people to take part in this endeavour that would help them in future. He said that the panels are looking forward to hearing from iwi, marine farmers, bach owners, boaties, environmentalists, recreational and commercial fishers and others who have an interest in this proposal.
The Panel will report its findings on the costs and benefits of the proposal to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture in late February. If the Minister determines that it is sensible to advance the proposal, he will consider the options available to amend the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan.
