Marlborough Sounds salmon farm operator King Salmon has had more than half of its expansion plans declined by the Environmental Protection Authority today.
The company planned to build nine new salmon farms in the Sounds, on top of its existing five farms, to meet international demand for its omega-3 rich fish.
King Salmon’s plans prompted protests by local residents and boaties about seabed pollution and recreational access to water space.
Their battle was partly won today with the EPA only granting resource consent for four farms and declining consent for five.
The report is only a draft and stakeholders can now make submissions to the EPA based on the ruling.
The accepted sites include Papatua, Ngamahau, Waitata and Richmond farms.
Sites that were declined are Kaitapeha, Ruaomoko, Kaitira, Tapipi and White Horse Rock farms.
The four sites given approval have a term of 35 years.
3 News
source: newshub archive
