Issue date
Southern Clams, Otago
Yachting New Zealand recently made a submission to the Otago Regional Council opposing an application to establish three marine farms in the Otago Harbour.
Southern Clams Limited has submitted an application for three sites which would contain metal cages for cultivating shellfish; Yachting New Zealand reviewed the placement of each of the sites and considered that all three were in inappropriate positions. Two sites pose navigational hazards to vessels navigating the main channel in and out of the harbour and one site is in the same area local clubs use for racing. The sites also do not meet Maritime New Zealand guidelines for the placement of aquaculture.
There has been a large amount of local opposition, including serious concerns raised by the Port of Otago.
Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan
Yachting New Zealand has been fighting a proposed new rule around sewage discharge from vessels which would require vessels to be at least 2km from mean high water before discharging sewage (i.e. holding tanks). The current rule is 500m which Yachting New Zealand considers sufficient; there is also no evidence to suggest that the current controls are ineffective or insufficient.
Yachting New Zealand attended a hearing in late March, the final step in the process to seek our position is adopted in the new plan.
The council has adopted Yachting New Zealand’s position, we are confident that the hearing panel will back Yachting New Zealand and the Council and see that 500m from mean high water remains the distance beyond which sewage can be discharged.
Submissions are available on the Yachting New Zealand website here
