Aquaculture in your region
Environment Bay of Plenty
Background
Environment Bay of Plenty identified early on the significant benefits that aquaculture can provide the region, and that the Bay of Plenty offers arguably the best opportunity for offshore aquaculture in New Zealand. Consequently the council initiated an extensive research project to look at the sustainability of future aquaculture, including the preparation of Coastal Use and Value Maps and an Offshore Science Project. This work is complete and will provide the platform to make decisions about the location of Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs).
Current status
There are three oyster farms in the Bay of Plenty. They are all in the Ohiwa Harbour and are approximately two hectares each in size. There is also one small-scale permit for a mussel farm at Factory Bay, Te Kaha that has not yet been developed.
A 3800-ha mussel farm off Opotiki, the largest marine farm in New Zealand, has been approved by the Minister of Conservation and the Ministry of Fisheries. An application for a 4,009-ha mussel farm off Otamarakau is currently being processed.
In November 2009 the Bay of Plenty Aquaculture Strategy was published. The strategy is a product of the Bay of Connections Economic Strategy.
Contact information
Coastal Planning Team
Environment Bay of Plenty
PO Box 364
Whakatane
Phone: 0800 368 267
Email: info@envbop.govt.nz
Website: www.ebop.govt.nz
Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004
To find out about the iwi recognised under the Maori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004 contact Raina Meha, Senior Policy Analyst for Aquaculture, Te Ohu Kaimoana at mehar@teohu.maori.nz or by calling 04 931 9500.
For an overview by region of interim harbour and coastal settlement obligations view the Ministry of Fisheries’ Aquaculture Settlement Register.
