Aquaculture

Case Study

Sustainable Aquaculture Expansion in Mohua / Golden Bay

Balancing Aquaculture Expansion with Environmental and Community Priorities

In 2000, resource consent was granted to support the expansion of aquaculture in Mohua / Golden Bay. To protect recreational and coastal areas, new farms were strategically placed offshore, minimizing their impact on popular inshore waters and beaches. A key requirement of this expansion was to assess its effects on the natural seascape of the central bay.

To meet this need, our study provided a thorough evaluation of the environmental and community impacts. We focused on:

• Regulatory Compliance – Ensuring alignment with the District Plan and New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS)
• Community & Sustainability Considerations – Understanding how locals value the coastal environment
• Scientific & Environmental Analysis – Assessing sustainable development practices to minimize ecological impact

Our in-depth report accompanied the consent applications, offering clear insights into community priorities and sustainable solutions. By integrating these findings, we helped ensure aquaculture expansion met regulatory requirements while protecting the coastal environment.

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Golden Bay / Mohua Assessment of effects – natural character of the coastal environment area