Aquaculture industry applauds Council’s foresight

22 September 2008

Media Release

Aquaculture industry applauds Council’s foresight and pragmatism

The decision by the Far North District Council to construct a sewage scheme that takes account of the needs of the Bay of Islands is both pragmatic and timely. The Bay of Islands is one of the country’s prized areas and it is only right that it is protected for New Zealanders now and in the future.

“The Bay of Islands will continue to develop and grow and it is essential that the natural attributes that attract people to live, work and play in the area are protected and maintained”said Mike Burrell, Aquaculture New Zealand CEO.

Aquaculture New Zealand’s submission to the recent Coastal Policy consultation round echoes these sentiments in the need to provide for continued access to the coast for all to use. Such access is, of course, only tenable in the long term if sympathetic and appropriate infrastructure is developed.

The aquaculture industry’s national and international reputation is built upon New Zealand’s pristine environment and high quality water, and its sustainable farming practices reflect this. The dependence aquaculture farmers have on land based infrastructure is only matched by the care they take to ensure the public space they inhabit is maintained and, in some cases, improved.

“As New Zealand’s most sustainable primary industry, aquaculture has a proven ability to transform regional economies, however it is a partnership with those industries and communities on land. The sector is often ‘the canary in the coal mine,’ bearing the brunt of terrestrial actions whilst managing the marine environment it occupies to the benefit of many.

“Any action that maintains or improves the coastal environment for all users is welcome and should be applauded,” concluded Mr Burrell.

ENDS

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