Existing commercial fishing operations off the Otago coast could become unviable should Port Otago's plan to dredge the harbour and dump spoil offshore proceed.
The port is seeking resource consent for its Project Next Generation, which would result in the harbour's shipping channel being deepened and widened, and 7.2 million cubic metres of spoil being disposed 6km off Taiaroa Head.
On day 11 of the consent hearing yesterday, environmental planner Nigel Bryce, representing the Port Chalmers Fishermen's Co-operative Society, Pauamac 5 Inc, Paua Industry Council, Kina Industry Council, Otago Rock Lobster Industry Association, and the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen, outlined concerns about the project and its potential effects.
The collective's concerns were based on trawlermen being adversely affected by the disposal of sands and clays over their existing trawling grounds at site AO, and the effect disposal of fine silts and clays would have on the "particularly susceptible" paua, kina and lobster fisheries.
Mr Bryce argued the project was "contrary to the purpose and principles of the Resource Management Act 1991".
"Specifically, it will impede the ability of the existing seafood industry to provide for its social, economic and cultural wellbeing, now and in the future," he said.
Dumping of fine silts at dredge disposal site AO "will have a detrimental effect on marine habitats".
Suspended sediments would move north and inshore, increasing turbidity, affecting water quality, blanketing kelp beds which support marine species, and adversely affecting rock lobster and paua.
The habitat that sustains feed for sole and elephant fish would be destroyed, and trawler fishing would be affected by sediment softening the ocean floor.
Steve Little, from the Port Chalmers co-operative, was concerned about the lack of consultation by Port Otago with the co-operative and how its research was "not up to scratch".
"I think better communication between the port and the local fishing industry would have probably resulted in our concerns being better understood and appropriate mitigation provided for," he said.
The Blueskin Bay area was an important year-long "hot spot" fishing resource for both small and large operations.
The fresh fish resource was also "highly sought after by the local community", he said.
In the port's proposal, "no consideration is given to the income generated by local operators ... and how they stand to lose financially if their fishery is affected in any way by this dump site [AO]".
"The evidence put to you is that dumping spoil on this site will be a 'minor inconvenience'.
"However, I can tell you that in the case of three small trawlers, the ground at and around the site AO represents 80%-100% of their livelihoods," Mr Little told the panel.
He believed financial compensation would be required to alleviate the effect dumping would have on fishermen.
"There is no doubt that whatever goes on ... these small boats aren't going to be able to fish in that area."
When questioned by the panel, he said dumping further offshore would benefit the co-operative but was like "opening up Pandora's box" as other organisations could be negatively affected.
Under the collective, Harbour Restoration Group spokesman Peter Hayden explained his proposal for the 7.2 million cubic metres of dredged spoil to be used to create islands at the upper harbour.
The idea was backed by the rock lobster association, which supported the port's application on the condition, among others, the harbour islands were considered and investigated.
However, panel chairman John Lumsden said it could not impose such a condition on the port and could only suggest such an idea be investigated.
Panel: John Lumsden (chairman), Hugh Leersnyder, Dr Mike Johnston.
Proposal:
• Upgrade channel berth and swinging areas, disposing 7.2 million cubic metres at sea.
• Extend multipurpose wharf by 135m.
• Construct fishing wharf at end of Boiler Pt walkway.
Where: Otago Regional Council, Dunedin.
Day 11:
Submitters' evidence.
Yesterday: Southern Clams' Roger Belton, consultant environmental scientist Dr Brian Stewart, environmental planner Nigel Bryce, Steve Little, of the Port Chalmers Fishermen's Co-operative Society, Otago Rock Lobster Fisherman's Association executive Simon Gilmour, Southern Shellfish director Robert Street, Harbour Restoration Group spokesman Peter Hayden, Otago Conservation Board chairwoman Associate Prof Abigail Smith, Leanne Simon.
Quote of day:
"The evidence put to you is that dumping spoil on this site will be a 'minor inconvenience'. However, I can tell you that in the case of three small trawlers, the ground at and around the site AO represents 80%-100% of their livelihoods" - Steve Little, from the Port Chalmers Fishermen's Co-operative Society
