The planning and approval process for marine aquaculture in New Zealand considers the farm’s potential environmental effects, as well as its possible cultural and social effects.
The processes are controlled by Regional Councils under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) – the principal New Zealand law governing coastal management and the growth and management of coastal uses, including aquaculture.
The purpose of the RMA is the sustainable management of our resources. The Act encourages New Zealanders (as communities and as individuals) to plan for the future of our environment in a sustainable way.
RMA decision-making is coordinated by district and regional councils working closely with the local community and other stakeholders. This is because communities are best placed to know their own surroundings, and should be involved early on in decisions about future use of the coast and other natural resources.
The RMA requires the Minister of Conservation to prepare a New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) to assist planning within the coastal environment. The NZCPS states policies to guide regional councils and other decision makers on sustainable management in the coastal environment, including decisions relating to aquaculture.
Regional councils work with communities, industry and other stakeholders to identify appropriate locations for new Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs). Councils are responsible for a number of steps in the AMA approval and coastal permit approval processes, including setting conditions around farm operations and monitoring farms to ensure compliance.
Regional council decisions can be appealed to the Environment Court and higher courts. Final approval of AMAs sits with the Minister of Conservation.
In addition to this, the government and industry are working in partnership to develop nationwide standards for sustainable aquaculture. These standards are expected to support the sustainable production methods used in New Zealand. They are also expected to give the New Zealand public confidence in the changing local industry.
