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Environmental destruction A MYTH BY DOROTHY-JEAN MCCOUBREY R ecently I have been watching the passionate public debates about whether to extend the Marlborough Sounds salmon farms. As usual it seems there are two camps: those who believe that the new farms will provide employment and well needed funds to prop up New Zealand's diminishing economy, and those who believe that our pristine marine environment is far too precious to waste on "industry". Sustain our Sounds or SOS, is an example of a lobby group established to oppose the expansion of salmon farming because they strongly believe that this will mean water pollution, damage of natural fi sh habitats, affect public enjoyment of the unique Sounds area, and have an adverse impact on tourism. Such arguments are voiced worldwide and they will only increase as the wild fi sh resources diminish and aquaculture expands fi lling the food gap necessary to feed the rapidly escalating global population. However, whenever such important passionate social debates occur urban myths are often hurled into the arena by the uninformed. For example, the use of aquaculture drugs and genetic breeding spawns mutant fi sh with three heads. Often too, overseas examples are used which are simply not applicable in the NZ context, such as the irresponsible practices by some shrimp farming entrepreneurs which have caused the destruction of mangrove areas and the salinisation of land and drinking water supplies in a few countries. However, there is no doubt there does need to be careful and wise deliberation on how our marine space is to be used while ensuring it remains enjoyable and safe for others to use now, and for future generations. It must be acknowledged that aquaculture does use our natural resources and interacts with the environment, so we must ensure this is done while minimising any adverse environmental interactions. Generally, marine farmers appreciate very well that they are using one of NZ's most valuable natural assets, and they take their custodianship very seriously. They also realise that they cannot destroy their own patch: to do so will mean they are unable to continue to harvest quality products. Wise farmers also understand that their consumers, those who are prepared to pay for top quality products, also want to be assured their seafood comes from businesses that are able to prove they are socially and environmentally responsible. Today the New Zealand aquaculture sector understands the necessity of showing strong leadership, while promoting better environmental performance, and improving the public perception of their profession. The New Zealand Oyster Industry Association (NZOIA) provides a great example of this responsible philosophy. They have written their own Oysters remain low risk as they receive clean water too Environmental Code of Practice that covers environmental protection, water quality and food safety, biosecurity, and the sound principles of being a good community member and neighbour. All members of the NZOIA are expected to follow this code and must do self-audits to ensure that they are on track. The NZOIA also undertakes regular, independent assessments of harbours to ensure that their members are not destroying the environment. Of course oysters and other shellfi sh species must be grown in clean waters or the product will not be safe to eat, so there is no question of the industry "polluting" the water. However, it is also important that marine farms are well marked to ensure the safe navigation by other harbour users. Oyster farms use rack structures to support the growing oysters and these can become damaged in storms or other misadventures, so farmers need to take a responsible and timely attitude to maintaining their farms. Redundant farms, derelict structures, inappropriate disposal of shells and farming materials at sea or on land, quickly become environmental eyesores so the Code requires that the oyster industry themselves take remedial steps before other regulatory agencies, such as Regional Councils, step in and penalise the larger aquaculture industry. It is important for all New Zealanders, including marine farmers, that we treasure our environment and use practices that protect and sustain it. With responsible individual custodianship and aquaculture sector leadership it is possible to provide our country with much-needed monetary capital, while also maintaining social and environmental capital. The Pacifi c oyster industry has been doing this in many harbours since the 1960s. I would like to think that the salmon debate will also result in a win-win for both sides, where the area is provided with a valuable, high quality food production industry, also while maintaining our iconic Marlborough Sounds scenery. JULY/AUGUST 2012 ■ NZ AQUACULTURE ■ 11