Table 2: Legislation, conditions and gaps in environmental management that would apply to future activities that may occur in New Zealand's EEZ

Aquaculture

The effects of aquaculture vary according to the type of farm and the surrounding environment. Wastes (uneaten fish food and faeces) enter the environment, cause nutrient enrichment and accumulations of organic matter on the seabed, or both. Fish, shellfish or other farmed species infected with disease may introduce pathogens to the environment, and escaped exotic fish from the farms can alter the biodiversity of an area.

It is unclear what legislation would apply to an aquaculture venture in the EEZ, as neither the Aquaculture Reform Bill nor the RMA applies in the EEZ.

None

There are no specific procedures for setting environmental conditions on aquaculture. Regulations can be created under the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977, ss 8 and 27, where no other Act applies. However, no regulations have been developed.

There are also no navigational safety provisions that would apply to an aquaculture farm in the EEZ.

Mining minerals other than petroleum

Viable economic methods have yet to be developed for the extraction of minerals other than petroleum. Suction dredge, scoop, grab and drag methods have been trialled in the past. Environmental impacts will depend on the environment: where there are no flora or fauna, impacts will be negligible, but where flora and fauna exist, impacts could be significant depending on the environment and the scale of extraction.

The Continental Shelf Act 1964

None

There are no procedures for assessing the environmental effects of the mining of minerals other than petroleum.

There are regulation-making powers under the Continental Shelf Act 1964 to protect the living resources of the sea within safety zones.

Marine protection

Marine protection usually has positive environmental effects.

Fisheries Act 1996 (closures under this Act)

None

There is no legislation currently that provides for marine reserves in the EEZ because the Marine Reserves Act 1971 does not currently apply in the EEZ. The Marine Reserves Bill, which has been introduced into Parliament and is to be reported back from Select Committee, would allow marine reserves to be created in the EEZ.

Tourism, energy projects and other activities

Economically viable methods have not yet been developed for these activities.

The Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977

None

There are no procedures for assessing the environmental effects of tourism, energy projects or other new activities.

Regulations can be created under the Territorial Sea and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977, ss 8 and 27, where no other Act applies. However, no regulations have been developed.