Public opposes King Salmon application
King Salmon's proposal to shift the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan in order to allow its expansion has met with firm public opposition in Blenheim, the Green Party said today.
The proposed changes will allow King Salmon to open new salmon farms in areas where farming is currently prohibited.
Green Party fisheries spokesperson Steffan Browning attended a public meeting last night hosted by Marlborough sounds NGO Sustain Our Sounds, which drew well over 100 people. Opposition was unanimous among attendees, with particular concerns raised over nitrogen nutrient pollution resulting from the proposed farms, which would be equivalent to that of half a million people moving to the region.
"The approval of King Salmon's proposed plan change would mean marine farming could occur anywhere on our coastline," said Mr Browning.
"There was a long and full community engagement which resulted in zones where marine farming is excluded.
"The current plan balances the needs of different uses and sets aside pristine environments.
"If approved this proposal would mean that the long hours spent reaching a compromise on where marine farming can occur, will have been a waste of time.
"There are severe concerns about King Salmon's sustainability claims, both around feed sources and their impacts on the marine environment," said Mr Browning.
Submissions on King Salmon's proposal are due by May 2nd.
Full details of the proposal can be found at:
Submission guide can be found at: