28 November 2001
Marlborough-based Green MP Ian Ewen-Street today said he was very pleased with the Government announcement of a two year
moratorium on future aquaculture developments.
Mr Ewen-Street said today's decision would give an element of certainty to residents in many coastal regions and would
allow a cooling off period for an issue that was fast reaching boiling point.
"The concerns of residents in areas like the Marlborough Sounds have been acknowledged in this moratorium. I have been
calling for this moratorium for the last two years and today's announcement will give regional council's the time to
properly assess the impacts of aquaculture," he said.
"The current boom and bust mentality of aquaculture has resulted in a desperate, gold-rush type grab for sea space. This
moratorium will allow for research into the ecological impacts of marine farming and will lead to commonsense decisions
being made on the future of our coasts and bays."
Mr Ewen-Street said the Guardians of the Sounds, of which he is a founding member, have been calling for integrated
management of the entire Marlborough Sounds, including fishing, farming, forestry and marine farming.
"Today's decision is a timely victory for commonsense that safeguards our marine environment and allows further research
into an issue that needs it," he said.
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