New Zealand King Salmon on Tuesday announced that its application for increased water space in Marlborough Sounds is moving forward.
In August, the company applied to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for planning permission to sustainably expand operations in Marlborough Sounds. The EPA has recommended the application should proceed to a Board of Inquiry.
If successful, the company said it can double production in three to five years in support of the aquaculture industry’s target of NZD 1 billion in sales by 2025 and 120 new jobs in the area.
“Anyone can make a submission and we believe it is the best way to examine the scientific aspects involved in establishing new farms and the social and environmental issues that need to be considered,” said New Zealand King Salmon CEO Grant Rosewarne. “The EPA requires us to prepare very comprehensive evidence and submissions. The Board of Inquiry process is not cheap for us, but it does enable anyone to have a say. The EPA will appoint a friend of submitters to facilitate that process.
“Few agricultural industries have the ability to create such significant export income from such a small amount of space, with a low, localized environmental impact,” he added. “We look forward to presenting our plans to the Board of Inquiry.”
