18 Dec 2010

Maori cautiously welcome Coromandel fish farm plan

10:24 pm on 18 December 2010

Hauraki mussel farmer Harry Mikaere says Maori would be keen to get into finfish farming, but they would be wary about its effect on existing mussel and oyster farms.

Waatea News reports an aquaculture ministerial advisory panel chaired by former fisheries minister Sir Doug Kidd, is considering a plan to allow a new 300 hectare marine farming zone in Coromandel.

Mr Mikaere says the plan to farm kingfish and hapuku will be watched closely.