Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Public participation compromised in proposal for fish farm
Public participation compromised in proposal for fish farming in the Coromandel
"EDS is concerned that the submission period on proposed marine farming in the Coromandel is being pushed through over the Christmas break, seemingly in an attempt to minimise public participation," said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor today.
On 17 December 2010 the Ministry of Fisheries released a consultation document aiming to "engage the public on a proposal to amend the Waikato Regional Coastal Plan to remove the prohibition on new aquaculture in a defined 300-ha zone in the Hauraki Gulf."
"Under the proposal, applications for fish farming would be allowed to be lodged in the proposed zone, which is located in the south eastern Hauraki Gulf, west of the Coromandel Township. The proposed zone is located along a direct navigation route from Waiheke Island to Coromandel harbour
"The submission period closes on 9 February 2011.
"EDS considers this time period does not provide an adequate opportunity for public participation, in what is a complex issue, with effects on a wide range of activities in the coastal marine area including boating and fishing.
"The Ministry has not followed a fair process in setting this unrealistic and unreasonable submission period. This is heightened by the fact that many of the users of this area, especially boaties, will not be in a position to make a submission because they'll be out on the Gulf during the holiday period.
"EDS has asked the Minister of Fisheries & Aquaculture to intervene to extend the consultation period to the end of February to allow adequate time for all issues to be ventilated and all members of the public to participate," Mr Taylor concluded
Click here to view a copy of the letter to the Minister.
ENDS
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
Auckland Transport: Driver Safety Screens Now Rolling Out Across Auckland’s Bus Fleet
People Against Prisons Aotearoa: 'Expect Resistance' - Community Group Pushes Back Against More Cops With Guns
Greenpeace: New Zealand Drops In Global Ranking On Climate Action
PSA: Spending Cuts Need To Stop - PSA Urges Govt To Listen To Economists
