resource consent application and assessment of environmental effect (aee) on sturgeon aquaculture in...

Sturgeon Aqua-FarmsRESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT OFENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

1 April 2015Eric Fok (Student ID: 1123280)

Environmental Law 776313Assignment 2

Eric Fok (Student ID: 1123280)Environmental Law 776313Assignment 1 Part B

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Pages:

Table of Contents ……………………………………………………………………1

Part A: Resource Consent Applications ………………………………………4

Part B: Assessment of Environmental Effects ………………………………1.Introduction ………………………………………………………………………….

1.1General Location………………………………………………………………..1.2Detailed Location and Current Terrain Features of Proposed

Area……….1.3Proposed Plan …………………………………………………………………..1.4General Design Parameters …………………………………………………..

1.4.1 Additional Resource Consents Required ………………………………..1.4.2 NZ Transportation Agency …………………………………………………1.4.3 Auckland Council ……………………………………………………………

2. The Current Environment …………………………………………………….....2.1 Location, Landscape and Land use……………………………………………

2.1.1 General Location…………………………………………………………..

2.1.2 Surrounding Land Use………………….…………………………………

2.1.3 Geological Landscape…………………………………………………….

2.2 Climate ……………………………………………………………………………

2.2.1 Rainfall ………………………….………………………………………….

2.3.2 Temperature …………….…………………………………………………

2.3 Ecological Environment …………..………………….…………………………

2.3.1 Flora………………………………………………..………………………..

2.3.2 Aquatic Ecology …….……………………………………………………..

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2.4 Odor Management ………………………………………………………………

2. The Proposal ……………...…………………………………………………….....3.1 Key Components of this Proposal ……………………………………..………

3.2 White sturgeon (A. transmontanus) ……………………….…………3.2.1 Sturgeon Supply……………………………………………………………

3.2.2 Broodstock……………………………………………….…………………

3.2.3 Spawning ………………………………………………………..…………

3.2.4 Nursery ……………………………………………………..………………

3.2.5 Grow-out Development ……...……………………………………………

3.2.6 Caviar Production…….……………………………………………………

2.3.7 Sturgeon Meat Processing…….……………………….…………………

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4. Assessment of Actual and Potential Environmental Impacts ……....

4.1 Introduction…….……………………….………………………………..…….…

4.2 Positive Effects …….………………….………………………………..……..…

4.2.1 Eco-friendly caviar ……………………………………………….……..…

4.2.2 Environmentally Sustainable Sturgeon ………………………..……..…

4.2.3 Protection of wild white sturgeon ….………………………..……..…

4.2.4 Economic Benefits ……………………..………………………..………..

4.3 Potential Effects and Impacts ….………………………..…………………..…

4.3.1 Landscape and Visual Impacts….…………….…..…………………..…

4.3.2 Ground and Surface-water risks ….…………..…..…………………..…

4.3.3 Terrestrial Ecological Effects….…………..…..……………………….…

4.3.4 Aquatic Ecological Effects….…………..…..………………………….…

4.3.5 Prevention of white sturgeon into the wild ….…………..……….……..4.3.6 Odor Management….……………….……..…..……………………….…

Sourced Information….……………….……..…..………………………………….….

Appendix ….……………….…………………..…..………………………………….…

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PART A: RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATIONS

APPLICATION FOR RESOURCE CONSENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 88 OFTHE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT 1991

To: Waikato Regional CouncilPrivate Bag 9230XAuckland 114X

Sturgeon Aqua-Farms Limited. (hereby referred to as Aqua-Farms) hereby applies for the following resource consents pursuant to the Resource Management Act 1991 (‘RMA’):

Resource Consents Sought:1. “Site A” – Aqua-Farms proposes to construct, operate and maintain a

commercial sturgeon farming operation with an initial set up at a terrestrial lot size of 850m2 at 185 Wharf Road, Coromandel (“Site B) for the purpose of sustainable production of farmed white sturgeon caviar for human consumption. (‘Proposal A’).

2. “Site B” – Aqua-Farms proposes to construct, operate and maintain a commercial white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) farming operation with an initial area of 14400m2at Area C, Wilson Bay Marine Farming Zone (WBMFZ)for the purpose of raising white sturgeon for processing at the location of Proposal A. (‘Proposal B’).

3. Aqua-Farms applies for all other necessary resource consents to construct, operate and maintain the Proposal as detailed in the AEE as detailed in Part B of this document:

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Including but not limited to:

Waikato Regional Policy Statement and Regional Coastal Plan

a. Construction, use and occupation of space of facilities and on-site discharges to water and air in Marine Farming Zone C – for construction, use and maintenance of marine aquaculture facility required for operation of Proposal.

b. Discharge of Feed, Medicines and Therapeutic Compounds Associated with Marine Farming in Zone C – for the use of feed, medicine or therapeutic compound for the purposes of operating a sturgeon farm.

c. Taking and use of Coastal Water in excess of equal to or greater than 1,000 cubic metres per day C – for the use of a simulated migration process at sturgeon nursery at Site A.

d. Discharges from Ports, Marinas and Boat Maintenance Areas – for purpose of boat/marine craft maintenance facilitate operation and transport of goods and personal between proposed sites.

Waikato Regional Policy Statement and Regional Plan

a. (i) Land Use Consents (Thames-Coromandel District Plan) – for earthworks and vegetation removal associated with expansion of on-site structure at Site A, including access roads, fresh water storage tanks, water filtration facilities, sturgeon processing facilities and holding tanks for juvenile sturgeon stock.

b. Discharge permit to Discharge into Water – for the discharge of wastewater to nearby waterway from the maintenance, upkeep of white sturgeon and flood-water in the event of adverse weather.

c. For Transfer of Water Take Permit – Transfer of allocated water take from Whangamaroro Catchment (Catchment ID 279/353) from Fictitious-Holdings. LLC (Consent No: CRX12345X) for maintaining and operating proposed small-scale land-based aquaculture facility at Site A

d. Any other resource consents necessary to enable Aqua-Farms to construct, operate and maintain the Proposal.

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PART B: ASSESMENT OF ENVIROMENTAL EFFECTS

1. Introduction:

This Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) is submitted in support of the resource consent applications made by Aqua-Farms in accordance to the Fourth Schedule to the Resource Management Act (RMA). The AEE and resource consent applications relate to the construction, operation and maintenance of rearing white sturgeon (A. transmontanus) and the production of caviar. (“the Proposal”).

The Proposal is comprised of 2 main elements:1) Proposal A

(i) Water storage tanks for the storage of fresh water required for the temporary containment of immature white sturgeon before transferal to the marine aquaculture facilities at Proposal B.

(ii) .A closed freshwater re-filtration system for recycling of waste-water for aquaculture purposes.

(iii) A sorting and processing facility for the purposes of selecting sturgeons for transfer to Site B for additional and the preparations non-productive specimens for additional processing at off-site processing facility.

(iv) Operations office for the effective administrations, management and maintenance of Proposal A and B.

2) Proposal B(i) Sea-cages for the purposes of raising sturgeon of various age

groups. Cage-sizes will be similar to those used in large scale salmon mariculture operations currently in operation in New Zealand.

(ii) Coastal water quality monitoring equipment will be located at regular intervals within boundary of operations in compliance with best practice guidelines and management policies.

The proposed sites at full capacity should be capable of housing 1500-2250 mature, caviar producing sturgeons at Proposal B and 50-100 juvenile sturgeons at Proposal Site A, with a total biomass of approximately 22-27 tonnes. After the initial set up and intake of required fresh water, necessary water-take and waste-water discharge will decrease through the use of a closed water recirculation system, additional water is only required to replace water loss from evaporation, cleaning and leakage. Coastal water

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taking will occur during the process of acclimating juvenile sturgeon stocks into the marine environment and limited water take should not exceed 2m3 per day.

The on-site re-filtration system allows for approximately 90% less water use than conventional land-based aquaculture and also minimizes waste-water discharge volume and waste content concentration.1.1 General locations:

Proposal A: The 850m2 rhomboid site is located at 185 Wharf Road within the Coromandel Township of the Thames-Coromandel District. (Refer to Map A1, below)

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Map A1: Red outline denotes proposed site for the construction of Proposal A. (Thames-Coromandel District Council GIS Viewer, 2014)


Proposal B: The 14400m2 (120x120m) square site is the total area allocated to Aqua-Farms LLC. At Area C, WBMFZ (farmed area + navigational access routes). (Refer to Map B1 in following page for allocated area and Appendix for area in relation to Coromandel Peninsula.) (Map B1, below)

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Map B1: Dark blue area denotes allocated area in Zone C of WBMFZ for the construction of Proposal B. (Waikato Regional Council, 2012)


1.2 Detailed Location and Current Terrain Features of Proposed Areas

Proposal A: The site is relatively flat and most areas are at sea-level, with the highest point at 2m above sea level at areas adjacent to Wharf Road. The area currently does not contain any significant terrain features and currently used for general marine services as provided for in the District Plan. No documented native or endangered indigenous fauna are recorded on location. (Map A2, below)

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Map A2: Legend: Light Grey – Existing structures White – Proposed Construction Sites

A – Land-based Aquaculture systems B – Water Re-filtration unitC – Boat shed and Maintenance D – Sturgeon processing facilityE – Operations Office F – Above ground water storage


Proposal B: Site B currently has no significant underwater terrain features or water feature, average depth has been estimated to be between 10-15m in the South-Eastern borders and 26-27m at the North-Western borders of Zone A. Visual inspection by NIWA suggests that Zone B follows this trend (NIWA Client Report: HAM2007-172). As such, this Proposal would continue base its AEE on the assumption that the depth of Site B is no less than 25m at all points until further findings are acquired. The area is currently not in use for mariculture or any other purposes. (Map B2, below)

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Map B2: Estimate Depth of Zone A of WBMFZ. (NIWA Client Report: HAM2007-172)


1.3 Proposed PlanUnder the national image of New Zealand as a “clean and green” country, the proposed white sturgeon farm will highlight New Zealand’s aquaculture operations as not only a highly effective and environmentally friendly operation but also one of pioneering the development of sustainable sturgeon caviar production and developing technologies that could benefit endangered sturgeon species from extinction due to poaching and overfishing by providing an environmentally alternative to wild caviar.

Success in farming this species in various other nations have showed that this species is robust and highly suited to aquaculture operations in climate conditions similar to the Coromandel area. The production of caviar will undoubtedly boost local and regional economies through the creation of employment opportunities. Once the first stocks have matured, additional economic benefits will be created due to the high price and increasing demand for caviar and sturgeon flesh harvested in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. As sturgeon farming is still in its infancy, with the first NZ-raised sturgeon not yet available, the domestic market for sturgeon and caviar is unknown.

1.4 General Design ParametersThe general design parameters as outlined in Map A2 shows the proposed location of structures required to perform land-based aquaculture, caviar extraction, sturgeon sorting, processing and the associated support facilities to run this operation. The reason for providing such on-site facilities for caviar production but sturgeon is transferred off site is due to the perishable and delicate nature of caviar making it unsuitable for transport. The Proposal aims to mitigate the impacts our land based facilities has on the local environment and amenity values of the Coromandel Township’s Historic Heritage Area.

Due to Proposal B’s location being a designated Marine Farming Zone, it will be assumed that adverse impacts caused by the use of the area for the purposes of Marine Aquaculture are to be expected and any impacts will be kept to a minimal provided that best practice management policies are employed and all activities within the area comply with the requirements

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imposed by resource consents granted by this proposal. As such, the AEE on Site B will be minimal with the exception of discussion of topics such as biosecurity precautions and provide a brief time-line on the consultation process that led to the white sturgeon becoming joining the list of species approved for aquaculture.

2 The Current Environment

2.1 Location, Landscape and Land use2.1.1 General LocationThe general location is outlined in Section 1.1 and 1.2 of this document. The area falls under Map Area 11E of the Waikato District Plan (Thames-Coromandel District). The Whangarahi Stream runs adjacent to the Site A into the Coromandel Harbour area. The Whangarahi Stream is part of the Whangarahi Catchment.

2.1.2 Surrounding Land UseSite A is situated on a Marine Service Area and is part of the Coromandel Town Historic Heritage Area, the historic value was considered during the design of the proposed structures to ensure the building height, roof line and visual characteristics of the Site are consistent with the area. Nearby areas within the town are designated for education, law enforcement and telecommunications – these designations do not influence the Proposal..

Theo surrounding areas of Site A are classified as a mixture of Rural, Recreation, Commercial and Residential areas. While this does not directly influence the operation of the Proposal, it should be noted that the Applicant best practice policy to limit negative impacts to mitigate effects and maintain good relations with near-by land owners and occupiers.

2.1.3 Geological and Hydrological LandscapeThe area is largely flat, with little to no terrain features at the mouth of Whangarahi Catchment, connecting it with harbor; this makes the area prone

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to flooding during adverse weather. The area is not known for containing any aquifers or geo-thermal water resources.

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2.2 Climate

2.2.1 RainfallThe Coromandel Peninsula tends to have warm, humid summers and mild winters, with prevailing westerly winds. The region often has annual rainfalls over 3,000 mm and sometimes in excess of 4,500 mm.

2.2.2 Temperature

Mean Air Temperature

Maximum mean air temperature recorded during summer in this region shows 24°C to 31°C

Maximum mean air temperature recorded during winter in this region show 12 to 14°C.

Data derived from publicly available information from Destination Coromandel (2014).

Mean Surface-Water Temperature

The mean temperature of surface water in this region ranges between 20°C in February to 15°C in August.

2.3 Ecological Environment

2.3.1 Flora & FaunaA survey conducted in the area shows that the vegetation in the area consists of non-native grasses (i.e .lawns) No pre-existing data shows that this area is ecological significant to native fauna and fauna. The area will be assumed to be of low indigenous biodiversity.

2.3.2 Aquatic EcologyExisting waterways is used currently used by a local sewage treatment facility and as such, not suitable for water-take for aquaculture purposes due to high levels of contaminants and pathogens. Its use as a discharge outlet by local infrastructure will be taken as a sign that the water in the area is of low ecological and indigenous value.

2.4 Odor Management

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Due to the nature of the proposal, it is expected that certain odors may be emitted during regular cleaning, operation and maintenance of the facility which may be deemed unpleasant. The impacts of the operation of the facility will be mitigated and minimized by:

a) Transferring full-processing of sturgeon meat to off-site facilities to limit the scale of activities conducted on-site.

b) Only conduct potentially ‘odor producing’ activities such as processing and facility maintenance to a ‘as required’ basis.

c) Consultation with local authorities, land owners and occupiers to ensure that impact is minimized.

3. The Proposal

3.1 Key Components of this Proposal

The Proposal consists of the following components:

Proposal A:

– The construction, operation and maintenance of a small scale land-based aquaculture facility.

– The construction, operation and maintenance of a caviar processing facility.

– Construction of a water pump for take of marine water and waste-water discharge.

– Construction of a closed system water re-filtration facility– Construction of water tanks for water storage– Construction of an administration office and storage unit.– Construction of boat-maintenance and storage area– Minor upgrading of current roads leading into property. Alterations to

existing private roads within property. – Vegetation clearance in private property for the creation of access

roads and facilitate construction as outlined by the proposal.

Proposal B:

– The construction, operation and maintenance of a marine farm.– 75% of the farmed area will be allocated to the use of sea-cages for

mature but non-caviar carrying female sturgeon.

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– 20% of the farmed area will be allocated for the use of floating pens for containment of caviar

– 5% of the farmed area will be reserved for the use of facilitating the operation of the marine farm, environment monitoring equipment and miscellaneous uses.

3.2 White Sturgeon (A. transmontanus)

A number of sturgeon species have been historically regarded as a potential candidate for commercial aquaculture since the 1940’s. The natural habitats of the white sturgeon (A. transmontanus) are exclusive to the Western sea-board of North America, including the Sacramento, Columbia and Fraser River systems. (Canada Ministry of Environment, 2014)It is a migratory fresh-water species, sexually mature adults migrate up river during spawning season. Unlike most salmon, white sturgeon continues to feed during spawning migrations. The optimal temperature of the species is known to be within 8–19 °C. While the species is able to tolerate low temperatures, it would not be economically wise to do so as low temperatures would significantly increase the time it takes for sturgeon to reach maturity and marketable value.

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Life cycle of commercially raised Siberian Sturgeon (A. baerii) currently employed by


3.2.1 Sturgeon SupplyAqua-Farms plans to raise Siberian Sturgeon juveniles purchased from commercial hatcheries in North America in the beginning before the availability of “in-house” broodstock at Aqua-Farm’s off-site hatchery facilities.

3.2.2 BroodstockRearing conditions are usually more favorable in farms than in its natural environment. Maturity is expected to occur at 9 years old for male sturgeons and 11 years for females at the proposed areas.Females generally do not ovulate every year. Therefore, for a given broodstock group, the number of mature females obtained annually can vary between 35–63% of the stock. By controlling the feeding rate, it is possible to condition spawning to be delayed over an extended period, namely December–May, allowing for a more regular supply of eggs.

3.2.3 SpawningMature eggs are manually retrieved either via repeated abdominal massaging or small laparotomy. The females are not killed in this procedure and are able to produce viable eggs during the next spawning season. It is known that the spawning rates for younger females are higher than older specimens. Therefore, the Proposal plans to regulate the production of caviar via artificial selection and culling of older females as necessary to increase production.

3.2.4 NurseryNursery operations will be conducted off-site to mitigate biosecurity concerns.

3.2.5 Grow-out Development Juveniles will be kept in land-based facilities and adults will be contained in marine-pens and sea cages as outlined in Section 3.1, land based operations will be provided with oxygen aeration to allow for high fish density rearing.

3.2.6 Caviar ProductionCaviar will be produced onsite. With regard to traditional methods: female selection, holding in running water for a while, stunning, gutting, removal of ovaries, cooling, screening, rinsing, weighing, salting, draining, canning, labeling and preservation. Another method known as “stripping” allows for the extraction of caviar without surgicial intervention or the killing of the female sturgeon. This is the process hat Aqua-Farms have chosen for caviar production. This process was developed in partnership with British company Mottra Ltd.

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Life cycle of commercially raised Siberian Sturgeon (A. baerii) currently employed by


2.3.7 Sturgeon Meat ProcessingMale sturgeon and culled females, a byproduct of sturgeon hatcheries intended for caviar production will be processed off-site.. On-site activities will be limited to sedation and preparation for additional processing.

4. Assessment of Actual and Potential Environmental Impacts

4.1 IntroductionA key objective during the design of this Proposal is to mitigate adverse effects to the local environment when possible while maximizing profits and benefits obtained for operating a sturgeon farmWhile it is not possible to eliminate all adverse effects, the design of this Proposal aims to remedying or limiting such adverse effects to a localized area. This has included planned future consultations with affected landowners, local residents and schools, iwi, the relevant local authorities, DoC, EPA, MPI and the Haruaki Gulf Forum to identify issues and areas of particular concern.As a result of this design process, the only significant impacts of this Proposal would be the introduction of a EPA approved new organism and MPI approved species for aquaculture. In all other regards, the Proposal’s adverse effects have been remedied, mitigated and avoided.In accordance with section 3 of the RMA, the relevant consent authorities are required to have regard to the Proposal’s positive and adverse effects. The RMA states that not all of this project’s adverse effects have to be avoided but rather be balanced.

4.2 Positive EffectsThere are a significant number of positive effects and benefits associated with the Proposal. The positive effects and benefits of the Proposal include:

Provides eco-friendly alternative to wild caviar. Supplies of high quality, environmentally sustainable source of

sturgeon meat for domestic and international markets. Protection of the white sturgeon species by lowering demand of wild

stocks. Generating economic benefits on a regional and national scale.

4.2.1 Eco-friendly caviarCaviar is processed, salted, non-fertilized sturgeon roe marketed as a luxury food. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, caviar is a product made from salt-cured fish-eggs of the Acipenseridae (Sturgeon) family.

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This produces monumental pressure on the caviar producing industry and large financial incentives for fishermen to both under-report catch quotas and illegal fish for sturgeon producing sturgeon of all varieties. Aqua-Farm wishes to remedy this and provide domestic and international markets with caviar that is harvested from environmentally and in a sustainable manner.

4.2.2 Environmentally Sustainable SturgeonSturgeon is also highly prized for its flesh in addition to caviar. Sturgeon meat has been held in high regard as a delicacy by European, Native American, Asian and Russian cultures and still maintains a reputation as a high-quality fish culinary. Aqua-Farms wishes to promote farmed sturgeon meat within New Zealand and international as an environmentally friendly alternative to other species of high priced, wild caught fish and seafood. Therefore reducing the demand for other less environmentally sustainable seafood and/or less well managed fisheries within the region.

4.2.3 Protection of wild white sturgeonAs described in Section 4.2.1 and 4.2.2, the pressure on caviar has caused a decline in sturgeon population due to the non-gender discriminatory catching of wild sturgeon and the removal of sexually mature egg-producing females required for the reproduction of the species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) currently lists white sturgeon as a species of “Least concern”, making this species a suitable candidate for aquaculture without concern of the sustainability and environmental impacts relating to sourcing brood-stock.Current production of caviar is in decline as over-fishing, poaching and smuggling as well as pollution caused by sewage entry into the sturgeon’s habitat have considerably reduced the sturgeon population.Protection of the wild white sturgeon can be achieved by providing environmentally sustainable products to alleviate the pressure on wild sturgeon populations.

4.2.4 Economic BenefitsCaviar and sturgeon flesh have both commanded a high price on the international market for a significant period of time due to its desirability as a luxury culinary that continually faces ever higher demand and ever decreasing supply due to decimated populations.As of the production of this document, the current retail price for farmed sturgeon meat averages at USD$40 dollars per kg; caviar is marketed at USD$2250 to USD$2280 per kg, depending on quality.

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While sturgeon takes a relatively significant amount of time to become sexually mature, sturgeon farming is a long-term investment that will significantly aid the Thames-Coromandel district’s economy through job creation for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Aqua-Farms facility.It is expected that if the annual goal of 1.2 tons of caviar are produced, it will generate this region a minimum of $USD2.8 million dollars (3.2million in $NZD) in revenue, not including sales of sturgeon meat. This will significantly aid in New Zealand’s goal of generating over 1 billion dollars in sustainable aquaculture by 2025.

4.3 Potential Effects and Impacts

4.3.1 Landscape and Visual ImpactsContext: The area is located on flat terrain near the mouth of the Whangarahi Stream that runs into the Coromandel Harbor. The only vegetation found on site was exotic grasses that the lawn consists of.

Landscape Effects:Construction of the aquaculture farm will moderately alter the landscape of the proposed area both during and after construction is completed. Some of the proposed structures will replace the grass lawns. Additional removal of grass areas may be required during the construction of the facility.

Amenity Value: Overall, the area is located within a Historic Heritage Area and adjacent to various commercial and residential areas. The current amenity value of the current structures on-site are relatively low.

Effect Mitigation: The Proposal will take of its proximity to Historic Heritage areas and other uses, limiting buildings to be no taller than 12m in height. Grass lawns removed during construction will be replanted in its original location if possible. New trees suited to the area will be selected to increase the amenity values to users within the area.

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4.3.2 Ground and Surface-water risksContext: The flat area and proximity to surface water allows for the drainage of collected storm-water to flow into the Coromandel Harbor. The area is known to be a flood-prone area in the event of adverse weather.

Ground Water:No ground water in the form of aquifers or geo-thermal aquifers are known to be on or near this region.

Surface Water Usage:Surface waters will be taken off-site upon approval of the consent relating to transfer of water-take permits, water will be used will be used initially to fill the rearing tanks at the proposed facility after construction is complete. Water use will decrease at the completion of initial set up. Alternative means of sourcing water are investigated as contingency measures.

Tectonic Movement Induced Water LeakageIn the event of major tectonic plate movement, tanks, water pipes and associated systems within the facility may be damaged, causing leakage of contaminated water into surrounding areas.

Effect Mitigation: The aquaculture farm will utilize a water recirculation system designed by America based Mote Marine Laboratory. Originally designed for inland marine aquaculture, this system should also work for fresh and estuarine waters. This recirculation system will allow decrease water-usage up to 90% as compared to conventional inland aquaculture operations.Reduction of waste-water discharge will also conserve the surrounding area’s aquatic ecological value. Additional water intake will only be required for the replacement of water lost through evaporation and leakage.

The off-site sources of water utilized by Aqua-Farms will allow for more flexibility in where water can be sourced from, conserving the original height of the water-table and also mitigating the effects to the Kaipara river tributary in terms of flow volume, biodiversity.Proper management of waste-water, leakage prevention will be utilized to prevent contamination of surface water from run-off and contamination of ground water sources from infiltration in the event of adverse weather and/or tectonic activity

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The possibility of a catastrophic plant failure/water leakage will be minimized using reinforced concrete combined with water-proofing of interior walls for the construction water storage and aquaculture facilities. Pipes and associated facilities responsible for transportation and storage of water within the facility will be checked as part of regular maintenance.

4.3.3 Terrestrial Ecological EffectsThe has no known existing data showing significance to indigenous local flora and fauna. Nevertheless, Aqua-Farms will attempt to prevent the accidental introduction of pest and exotic species within the property through proper waste-disposal and consultation with the MPI and EPA during importation and exportation to ensure it meets NZ Biosecurity standards.

4.3.4 Aquatic Ecological EffectsThe aquatic environment of the Coromandel Harbor may be affected due to the discharge of storm-water and waste-water. This will be mitigated by previously described risk avoidance and adverse impacts mitigation procedures. It is expected that the overall water-usage of the aquaculture farm (with exception of initial water usage) will not significantly impact aquatic biodiversity or alter the aquatic environment due to switching over to ground-water systems during times of limited water-flow in the river system.Waste-water and associated contaminants will be limited in volume and concentration due the closed water recirculation system in use developed by Mote.

4.3.5 Prevention of white sturgeon entering the wild Wild white sturgeon will not reproduce unless they have found their original spawning location. Therefore, they will not naturally reproduce under any conditions within New Zealand in the event of escape into local fresh water and marine ecosystems.The Siberian Sturgeon species is known to live a maximum of 60 years under optimal conditions, this species preys mostly on benthic creatures and dead/dying fish. This may significantly impact local aquatic ecosystems if large numbers of individuals are released/escape from holding tanks.

The importation of sturgeon represents a low threat to local fresh-water ecosystems due to the lack of reproduction in the event of escaped sexually mature male/female pairs and relative far location the holding tanks are located from natural waterways. As part of the Application’s biosecurity threat assessment and consultation with the EPA, specimens selected for transfer and containment at Wilson Bay will be exclusively female to prevent any possibility escaped sturgeons from breeding. All breeding, nursery and

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hatchery facilities will be located off-site at a EPA approved facility operated by Aqua-Farms.

Nevertheless, Aqua-Farms would erect net enclosures around its land-based tanks holding sturgeon to prevent captive sturgeon from escape due to flooding or sturgeon ‘leaping’ behavior, as seen in some species.

4.3.6 Odor ManagementOdor from the maintenance, day to day operation, cleaning of the facility and associated processing operation of sturgeon are unavoidable. It is expected that the trees planted in the reforestation attempt and limiting scale of processing facilities will mitigate the area which this would affect. The relative isolated area, away from local residential and commercial sectors of this region will also diminish its impact on the intrinsic value of the region.

Sourced Information and non-inclusive list of Amendments related to this document:Destination Coromande. (2014). Best Time To Visit The Coromandel. Retrieved 2014, from

http://www.thecoromandel.com: http://www.thecoromandel.com/new-zealand/coromandel-weather/

Aquaculture.govt.nz. (2008, 10). Aqua_NZ.pdf. Retrieved 10 6, 2011, from Aquaculture.govt.nz: http://www.aquaculture.govt.nz/files/pdfs/Aqua_NZ.pdf

Aquaculture.govt.nz. (n.d.). Industry Development. Retrieved May 2012, from Aquaculture.govt.nz: http://www.aquaculture.govt.nz/industry_development.php

Burtzev, I. (2007). The History of Global Sturgeon Aquaculture. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, Volume 15, Issue 4-5, 325.

Canada Ministry of Environment. (2014). Fish & Habitats– White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in British Columbia. Retrieved 2014, from http://www.env.gov.bc.ca: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/fishhabitats/sturgeon/

Copyright Hunting and Fishing BC. (2014). Sturgeon Weight/Age Chart. Retrieved 2014, from http://www.rivermenrodandgunclub.com: http://www.rivermenrodandgunclub.com/sturgeon-weightage-chart.html

Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society. (2010). Life Cycle of the White Sturgeon. Retrieved 2014, from http://hsbc.frasersturgeon.com/: http://hsbc.frasersturgeon.com/rhspsec/Lesson1/Articles/Article1.pdf

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Giles, H. (2007). NIWA Client Report: HAM2007-172. Bayesian Network Analysis Exploring the Benthic Carrying Capacity for Finfish Farming Within the Firth of Thames.

Ministry for the Environment. (2009, Nov 9). Aquaculture | Ministry for the Environment. Retrieved May 30, 2011, from Ministry for the Environment: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/aquaculture/reform.html

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Wei, Q. W., Zou, Y., Li, P., & Li, L. (2011). Sturgeon aquaculture in China: progress, strategies and prospects assessed on the basis of nation-wide surveys (2007–2009). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, Volume 27, 162-168.

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Appendix:

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Appendix II:

Other processes undertaken in the course of preparation for the introduction of sturgeon species into New Zealand for aquaculture.

EPA– Consultation on New Organisms

DOC – CITES Application to import

EPA – Application to import new organisms into a containment facility

EPA – Application to field test new organisms in an outdoor containment facility

MPI – Request for Import Health Standard development for importation of white sturgeon products (fertilized eggs and sturgeon broodstock)

MPI – Consultation on classifying sturgeon for aquaculture.

MPI – Permit to Import

MPI – Fish Farm Consent & License Application

Waikato Regional Council – Consultation

Haruaki Gulf Forum – Consultation

Thames-Coromandel District – Consultation

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resource consent application and assessment of environmental effect (aee) on sturgeon aquaculture in...

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