Mussel farming: ecology, property rights and planning: a case study of the Marlborough Sounds

Abstract

A real and growing interest in marine farming is currently taking place throughout New Zealand. Planning agencies, who are, or will be, involved in developing and locating marine farming in coastal regions, need an information base on which to make informed decisions.

In this project, the mussel farming resource system in the Marlborough Sounds is examined. Production potential of mussel farming and the associated economic and social benefits to the region are described. The range of biological and physical factors that govern the selection of areas suitable for mussel culture are identified, along with ecological constraints to development. Marine farming planning, legislation, and the allocation of property rights are examined, and, the importance of a national aquaculture policy is discussed.

The findings show that the biological carrying capacity or maximum sustainable yield of mussel growing areas should be evaluated, and, that environmental problems caused by intensive development be considered, when planning the extent and location of marine farming in coastal areas. Furthermore, it is essential that the prospective full time marine farmer, conducts a survey of the marine farming site, before any major expansion is undertaken.

Institutional arrangements need to establish criteria or decision rules so that decisions can be made between marine farming sites and alternative uses, but at the same time allow the opportunity for the decisions made to be tested in some open forum. A formal system of public involvement in marine farming planning should be established and a formal aquaculture policy be developed.