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Aquaculture zone policies for Coffin Bay and Lower Eyre Peninsula

Thursday 19 April 2007

Draft aquaculture zone policies for two areas - Coffin Bay and Lower Eyre Peninsula - have been released by PIRSA Aquaculture for two months of public consultation.

The Draft Aquaculture (Zones – Coffin Bay) Policy 2007 proposes to establish six aquaculture zones and one aquaculture exclusion zone in the Coffin Bay area to replace the former management arrangements.

Executive Director of PIRSA Aquaculture, Mr Ian Nightingale says there is already an established aquaculture industry in this area and the new aquaculture zones propose a cap on the area available for filter-feeding aquaculture such as oysters, acknowledging the importance of the existing industry and amenity of other users including recreational fishers and tourists.

This type of aquaculture would be restricted to zones covering Kellidie Bay, Mount Dutton Bay, Port Douglas and Point Longnose, while two zones near Morgans Landing and Frenchman Bluff are proposed to provide an opportunity to expand  aquaculture developments in sectors including  abalone and algae farming. The draft policy provides for an additional 20 hectares and 40 hectares respectively.

“These proposals and limits on the existing filter-feeding industry in Coffin Bay will help to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the existing oyster industry,” Mr Nightingale said.

The Draft Aquaculture (Zones – Lower Eyre Peninsula No.2) Policy 2007 reviews aquaculture development in the inner bays near Port Lincoln (previously the Louth Bay and Boston Bay intertidal and sub tidal aquaculture zones) and the current aquaculture exclusion zone.

“The completion of these zone policies will support the ongoing sustainable development of aquaculture in the Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln region,” Mr Nightingale said.

“It will ensure that aquaculture continues to provide important economic and social benefits to the Lower Eyre region.”

“Subject to the approval of the policies, it is also proposed to amend the Land Not Within A Council Area (Coastal Waters) Development Plan.”

“We encourage community members and stakeholder groups to access copies of the draft policies and policy reports and provide comment on the aquaculture zones and the proposed amendments to the Development Plan."

Copies of the draft policies and policy reports are available on the PIRSA’s web site www.pir.sa.gov.au/aquaculture

Written submissions will be received for a period of two months until 5pm on Tuesday 19 June 2007.