Environment Southland has granted consent for the establishment of three mussel farms near Rakiura-Stewart Island.
The consent was sought by Zane Smith and Jim Maass-Barrett to undertake the activity of marine farming for growing green-lipped mussels, including blue mussels, ribbed mussels, scallops and oysters.
Hearing commissioner Sharon McGarry stated in
her report the application included the placement of structures on and over the seabed, the disturbance of the seabed and the request to deposit marine debris and to discharge contaminants associated with marine farming into the coastal marine area at Big Glory Bay.
She said despite some concerns raised during the hearing, the proposal was consistent with three promotion of sustainable management of natural and physical resource so consent should be granted with conditions.
The concerns she referred to were submissions made by Sanford, who also operate in the area.
