Safety concerns have prompted Tasman Harbourmaster to issue a direction implementing an exclusion zone within a marine farm located in Tasman Bay, near Motueka.

This notice came into effect from Thursday 2 May 2024 and will remain in place until further notice. 
Mussels farmers at the site have identified an issue around sunken lines refloating intermittently.  

A number of lines have been found on the surface so far and we are working to assess the extent of this issue.

Tasman Harbourmaster Peter Renshaw says the industry is working hard and fast re-weighting all sunken lines so they cannot refloat again. 

"I am pleased with the reposes from the mussel industry and I do not expect the exclusion zone to last too long. Sinking lines is not a common practice and is only done when there is a downturn in the industry it is don’t to reduce the surface risk making the area safer to navigate. There is now a plan to have a safe operating procedure for sinking line so this cannot happen again."

Unfortunately, there have been several instances where vessels have collided with unmarked lines. 

“When we say intermittently, a line could be on the surface for some time and then sink below the surface for a time. We have been closely monitoring the farm, but it has been very difficult to find intermittently floating lines,”  Peter said. 

“This means a boat may go through an area in the morning with no issues, and then coming home they get fouled on a line. 

“We want to ensure the safety of everyone on the water or operating within our coastal boundaries – Marine farms are work sites that undergo daily changes and multiple hazards can exist.  

“ We ask that extreme care is taken when in the waters around marine farms, and stay well clear.” 

“As soon as we understand the extent of the issue – the sooner we will be able to lift the notice.” 

The marine farms are reserved areas and are marked with cardinal markers (buoys) which indicate safe water.  

All vessels not involved with the commercial operation are to remain outside of the farm reserve area bounded by the cardinal marks and yellow special marks, as noted in the map below;

You can read more about our local marine farms here: https://www.tasman.govt.nz/marine-farms/