Application 124771 - Ministry of Fisheries

8
Goodwin E, 2012. Assessment of Benthic and Water Column Effects from Inshore
Coromandel Mussel Farms. Prepared for a Collective of Coromandel Mussel
Farmers. Cawthron Institute.
4.4.2 It is considered that the one hectare extension would have a less than minor
impact over and above the effects from the existing consented farm.
4.4.3 It is also considered that the cumulative effects of the proposed farm extension
on plants, animals and habitat disturbance will be less than minor, given the
location of the farm, the proposed density of lines and the existing operations.
4.4.4 With regard to water quality, the mussel farming industry is subject to various
stringent requirements (including food and health standards which are set by NZ’s
Health Authorities and are consistent with USA and EU standards). Therefore the
water and shellfish quality would be regularly checked to ensure they meet these
health standards.
4.4.5 With regard to fishing, there would be no known impacts on customary or
commercial fishing in this in-shore area. While recreational fishing is commonly
known to be enhanced by the presence of marine farms.
Carrying Capacity and Phytoplankton
4.4.6 In relation to the effects on phytoplankton, reference is made to the attached
scientific report (Appendix 2) and the report: Taylor D, Clark D, Keeley N and
Goodwin E, 2012. Assessment of Benthic and Water Column Effects from Inshore
Coromandel Mussel Farms. Prepared for a Collective of Coromandel Mussel
Farmers. Cawthron Institute. In addition it is noted that in the past 10 years or
more of monitoring undertaken by NIWA at Wilsons Bay, there have been no
significant issues recorded in terms of phytoplankton depletion.
4.4.7 The overall small size of the existing farm along with the proposed line layouts for
the extension to the marine farm will ensure that there is sufficient water flow to
the mussel lines to provide adequate quantities of phytoplankton. There is
unlikely to be any material effect on phytoplankton much beyond the boundaries
of the farm and therefore no impact on the nutrient supplies available to any
nearby farms.
4.4.8 It is therefore considered that the one hectare extension would have a less than
minor impact over and above the effects from the existing consented farm.
Benthic Assessment
4.4.9 In relation to the effects on benthic communities, reference is made to the
attached scientific report (Appendix 2) and the report: Taylor D, Clark D, Keeley N
and Goodwin E, 2012. Assessment of Benthic and Water Column Effects from
8