The move to farm in Cook Strait's colder waters has followed several years of poor fish harvests as water temperatures rise. Photo: LDR/SUPPLIED
NZ King Salmon's bid to start open water salmon farming operations in Cook Strait has hit a snag.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has lodged an appeal against the consent granted to the project, called Blue Endeavour, by the Marlborough District Council last month.
The company posted a brief statement on the NZX after the close of trading, saying DOC wanted to change conditions on the consent.
"Should those changes be made, DOC has signalled that it does not oppose the granting of the consent of the Blue Endeavour application."
The move to farm in Cook Strait's colder waters followed several years of poor fish harvests, rising mortality because of rising water temperatures, which exacerbated the impact of the pandemic on sales and resulted in losses.
The company said it would go into mediation with DOC and any other interested parties in the New Year, although it was not aware of any other lodged or intended appeals.
Long-standing chief executive Grant Rosewarne [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/477805/chief-executive-makes-sudden-exit-from-nz-king-salmon
resigned abruptly in November] after 13 years in the role.