There is no impediment to a Stewart Island fisherman establishing a small-scale experimental oyster farm near Stewart Island.
Len Lind was last month granted a five-year consent by Environment Southland to cultivate Bluff oysters in 61 crayfish pots anchored to the sea bed at three sites - Nathans Island, Nugget, and Horseshoe Bay.
He must still obtain a marine farm licence from the Ministry for Primary Industries.
The consent is the first to be granted for Stewart Island since the Ministry for Primary Industries relaxed a 28-year regulation prohibiting marine farming almost everywhere around the island in 2011.
Twenty four submissions were received on Mr Lind's application, eight in support, 13 opposed and three neutral.
A hearing was held in May before independent commissioner Barry Kaye, of Auckland.
When contacted last month, Mr Lind said he was could not think about progressing the development until he was sure no appeals had been lodged over the decision.
An Environment Southland spokeswoman said this week the appeal period had closed and no appeals had been lodged.
