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Mussel farming - Source: ONE News -
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After years in the planning, a 2,695-hectare mussel farm in Pegasus Bay off the coast of Canterbury has been approved by the Ministry of Fisheries.
The farm makes up the bulk of the just over 3,000 hectares the Ministry has approved for 10 new marine farms around the South Island.
Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley says aquaculture has huge potential for generating sustainable economic growth for New Zealand.
However, John Warriner of Surfing Environmental Advocates says it is a "sad day" for New Zealand. He says the project will play havoc with the surf, ruining some of Canterbury's best spots.
The Ministry says all environmental issues have been taken into account and they now want to see the aquaculture industry opened up.
The government is aiming for the aquaculture industry to be a $1
billion-a-year industry by 2025.
