Otago region, in red, on the Southeast area of the Southern Island.

King Salmon intends to farm salmon in open-ocean sites off Otago

New Zealand King Salmon Company Ltd plans to test two 3600ha Otago ocean sites for the viability of offshore salmon farming.

The firm states that these operations would be environmentally friendly and that they could generate significant economic income.

New Zealand King Salmon Company Ltd has applied for coastal permits for two equal-sized marine monitoring sites off the Otago coast covering a total of 7200ha. One is 16km southeast of Coal Point, in South Otago, and the other is 12km southeast of Shag Point, in East Otago. (Photo: Courtesy nzherald.co.nz)

The company has applied for coastal permits for two equal-sized marine monitoring sites off the Otago coast covering a total of 7200ha, New Zealand Herald reported.

One of these sites is 16km southeast of Coal Point, in South Otago, and the other is 12km southeast of Shag Point, in East Otago.

King Salmon seeks a 10-year window to use up to six monitoring buoys in each location which would be a maximum of 2m above sea level and 2m in width and length.

The firm would use monitoring information to make decisions on establishing marine farms at those locations.

The company has lodged similar applications with the Marlborough District Council, Environment Canterbury and Environment Southland. However, they each cover smaller areas.

Both Marlborough and Southland councils opted to defer the decisions to Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage as they considered they were of "national significance".

In the case of Otago, Regional Council members recommended this entity should process the consents instead of referring the decision to the Conservation minister.

King Salmon chief executive Grant Rosewarne said he agreed with the Otago council's approach and was "disappointed" other councils called in the minister.

The offshore operations would be a first for the company, which now farms only in the Marlborough Sounds.

Rosewarne pointed out that by the time one of the farms reached 10,000 tonnes it could make NZD 230 million (USD 158 million) in revenue and explained that if Otago became its main centre of operation, the company would look to move its facilities there.

In addition, he ensured that the monitoring operation would not restrict access for vessels and fishers.

For her part, Forest & Bird environmental lawyer Sally Gepp said King Salmon appeared to be "trying to lock in exclusive occupation of public marine space" before having an actual marine farming proposal ready.

 
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